Hurst Meadows News

Cycle Path
As previously reported the new Cycle Path through Hurst Meadows from Trinity Road has been extremely popular which has been very good to see. The Parish Council very much hopes that in future this Cycle Path will be continued both westwards and northwards to better connect the village and ensure safer cycling and walking for residents and visitors. Whilst the Parish Council is very keen to encourage active travel, the success of the Cycle Path does seem to have caused some confusion. To clarify, no cycling is allowed in Hurst Meadows, apart from on the Cycle Path as is made clear on the signage. The site is too small and too vulnerable and the grass paths are not suitable, being very easily damaged. Cyclists please stick to the designated cycle path. Thank you.

Produce from Hurst Meadows
Many residents have enjoyed picking blackberries in the Meadows this year. The brambles produced a huge crop with plenty for people and for wildlife. The village larders and freezers must be well stocked with jam and fruit this autumn! The Heritage Orchard has also produced a good crop of damsons and apples this year. Some of these were on show at the Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show and afterwards auctioned in aid of the local Hospice. Longer term, once the trees are stronger and more mature, it is anticipated that the orchard will be open, maybe for an annual Apple Day, when residents can enjoy picking their own fruit. In the meantime, it is hoped to have apples from the orchard available outside the Village Centre on a “help yourself for free” basis. Please look out for more information.

September Cut and Collect
Despite some very heavy rain showers, the grass cutting contractors managed to successfully complete the annual mowing schedule in Hurst Meadows. As last year, two thirds of Fifteen Acres Field were cut in irregular patterns to maintain the grassland that is so valuable to birds and insects whilst at the same time giving a more informal look with plenty of nature-friendly edges. The annual mowing of Buckwilly Field ensures that this area stays as a wildflower meadow to the benefit of pollinators and making a beautiful sight every summer.

To read the full newsletter, please pick up your copy of October’s Hurst Life or click the images to enlarge them.

No Mow May

As in previous years, the Parish Council will be leaving an area of lawn at Court Bushes Community Hub uncut as part of No Mow May. This year however, small areas will remain uncut until September to provide the maximum benefit to butterflies, moths and other insects. Many butterfly and moth caterpillars feed on grasses to get the energy to complete their life cycle so they benefit from having access to areas of longer grass. Hopefully wildflowers such as dandelions and buttercups will appear which will provide valuable nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Methodist Church Update

On 20th March 2025, the old Methodist Church at 42 Cuckfield Road, Hurstpierpoint, was sold at auction. The Church closed in December 2023. In response to requests from residents and local community groups, the Parish Council was able to register the building as an asset of community value in February 2024, prior to it being sold. Although there are a number of good-sized halls for hire in the parish, there is still a high demand for large hall spaces for all types of community activities. Due to this ongoing need, the Parish Council considered taking out a loan to purchase the old Church to help meet some of the demand. A valuation, building condition survey and structural survey were undertaken to ensure the building could be refurbished. Despite the cost of the building, the Parish Council recognised what a fantastic asset it would be for the community. On 13th March 2025, we agreed to put in an offer to purchase the venue for a price that was considered affordable and fair for council taxpayers. Sadly, this offer was not accepted, so the building was unable to be saved for community use. Assuming the current sale goes through, we anticipate much interest in how the land and building are developed in the future.

To read the full article, please pick up your copy of May’s Hurst Life today or click the images to enlarge them.