We are delighted to confirm that, at last, Bedelands is to officially acquire two new wildflower meadows surrounded by ancient woodland. The area extends west to Freeks Lane and north to the River Adur and is 11 hectares in extent, thus increasing the nature reserve by one-third. Coincidentally, this matches the projected increase in Burgess Hill’s population after completion of the Northern Arc.

This really is a big deal for the wildlife and community of Burgess Hill. It has taken us many years of steady pressure to achieve, but the final outcome is entirely due to patient and prolonged good teamwork between the Friends group, the councillors and officers of Mid Sussex District Council, the councillors and officers of Burgess Hill Town Council, staff of Homes England and of developers Countryside (UK) Limited.
Our sincere thanks to all concerned.

We feel sure that those who signed our questionnaire about this last year will be well-pleased at this outcome, but the other two proposals have not been forgotten either. The projected Adventure Trail is to be included in plans to be drawn-up by landscape architects, covering improvements to the BMX track, new buildings in the small field just north of it, the Sheddingdean Cornerstone Project and all open spaces across the Northern Arc. We may have to wait up to a year for this, but it is obviously essential to plan holistically rather than piecemeal.

The completion of the Green Circle has largely been agreed too, but a few issues still need careful planning, such as crossing Cuckfield Road and Isaacs Lane.

This represents a major step forward for Burgess Hill.