Letter to the editor: A positive vision for Ifield Brook Meadows and beyond

Could Ifield Brook Meadows become a Local Nature Reserve within the ancient Parish?

Crawley Borough Council is to make an initial assessment, and I will also ask the Council to explore the feasibility of a deer park as part of a wider vision for Ifield Park.

Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, has given an encouraging response to the Ifield Society’s report, A Positive Vision for Ifield Brook Meadows and Beyond. He has said the Council will consider the report in its work on biodiversity and nature recovery. Subject to recruitment, the Council expects its new Biodiversity Project Officer to explore opportunities to protect and improve the Meadows with local partners.

An initial assessment of Local Nature Reserve designation would give that work a practical starting point. It could identify what agreements with landowners would be needed, how improvements could be funded and who could look after the reserve in the long term. I would also like the Council to explore whether a deer park could reflect Ifield’s medieval heritage while supporting nature recovery.

I have invited the Crawley Borough Council Leader to bring together Horsham District Council, West Sussex County Council, landowners, residents and conservation groups to discuss what could be done on the ground, from restoring the brook to reconnecting wildlife habitats.

Anyone who would like to explore the area and discuss the idea is welcome to join us for The Medieval Deer Park Walk this Saturday [Nov 14] at 11am. We will meet at Lime Tree Corner, opposite The Plough in Ifield Village, and return by 1pm.

All welcome, including dogs.

Richard W. Symonds MCIPD The Ifield Society

Ifield Street, Ifield Village

Crawley, West Sussex,