Sayers Common Village Fete
The inaugural Sayers Common Village Fete took place on Saturday 13th June. The Community Engagement Committee was delighted to award a grant of £500 towards the costs of the event gazebo, which provided much needed shade in the glorious weather. Entertainment and activities on offer included classic cars, a dog show, a baking competition, the opportunity to play pétanque with the Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common Twinning Association and finally, music from the ever-energetic Straw Dogs. The new play equipment, 5-a-side goals and picnic benches in the Recreation Ground were certainly put to good use, and it was fantastic to see so many residents turn out in support of this new community event.
20mph zone Hurstpierpoint
The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which covers the extension of the current 20mph zone in Hurstpierpoint, went to public consultation between 19th February and 12th March. WSCC staff are consolidating the responses received. They will produce a report on the way forward for the relevant WSCC Cabinet Member. Both the Parish Council and our newly elected WSCC Councillor support the proposed scheme as consulted. Subject to the necessary consents being achieved, WSCC staff are planning on delivery in Q1 2027. Any further updates will be shared once known.
Nature restoration in Hurst Meadows
As well as an increase in species and numbers of birds such as Whitethroats and Linnets, 2026 is also proving to be a fantastic year for our local butterfly population in Hurst Meadows. Our conservation volunteers recorded their best week ever for numbers of butterflies seen on the regular weekly transect walks – 659 in one week at the end of June! This marked a 53% increase on the number of butterflies spotted in the same week in 2025. It was noticeable that this was a “painted lady year” with many of these lovely butterflies fluttering around the Meadows and our local parks and gardens. This butterfly is a very welcome long-distance migrant which comes over to the UK from North Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.
To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of August’s Hurst Life or click the images to enlarge them.