Horsham District Council
Countryside Services Unit

The Countryside Services Unit is part of Horsham District Council's Leisure Service Directorate. The five Council owned sites under the Unit's control are managed both for their wildlife and recreational value. These are Warnham Local Nature Reserve (Horsham), Southwater Country Park (Southwater), Chesworth Farm (Horsham), Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods (Horsham) and Sandgate Park (Storrington). A team of Countryside Wardens maintains these areas, carry out practical management and wildlife surveys, lead school visits and guided walks, and organise special events.

Warnham Local Nature Reserve

The site provides a haven for a variety of wildlife, being known to having recorded over 200 species of wild plants, from Common Birdsfoot Trefoil to Orchids and ancient Oaks, and over 150 species of bird, including a thriving Heronry, wildfowl, woodpeckers and the rare Cetti's Warbler. The beautiful Kingfisher makes the most of the waters and are regularly seen from the birdhides. The Reserve is also rich in dragonfly - over 21 species have been recorded - which take advantage of the different wetland habitats.

Southwater Country Park

One of Britains youngest country parks, Southwater Country Park provides an interesting example of transformation from a former industrial site into a recreational and wildlife reserve. Under the management of Horsham District Council this 54 acre site opened in 1985 after substanial earthworks. Its variety of habitats are still developing.

Chesworth Farm

The farm is 90 acres of grazing pasture, meadow, hedgerows, ponds and riverside. A 15 minute walk from Horsham town centre, the farm can be explored either via the Horsham to Southwater cycle route, known as Pedlars Way, or as part of Horsham's Riverside Walk, following the course of the River Arun. A network of footpaths and bridleways also cross the site. Accessed from Queensway, Horsham, the nearest car park is located off Denne Road.

Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods

Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods lie close to the heart of Horsham and are managed by Horsham District Council for the benefit of people and wildlife alike. They are particularly notable for their contrasting landscapes and varied wildlife, and can be explored through self-guided trails of varying lengths. The woodland scene is for ever changing with the seasons and this provides a wealth of interest throughout the year.

Sandgate Park

This 30 acre site, also known as Heath Common, is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). This secluded area sitting on a bed of Greensand, is a mixture of ancient and mixed woodland, willow carr, wet and dry heathland, species-rich grassland and ponds. A lot of the Park is dominated by Rhododendron understorey which since 1991 has been being removed to be replaced by native flora over time. The remnant Wet Heathland is a great example, which was rejuvenated in 2004 by a clearance of encroached vegetation and Rhododendron.