Hope rises for Pebsham Countryside Park

Fresh ideas for Pebsham Countryside Park were aired at the first ever public meeting of the Pebsham Countryside Park Management Board at Bexhill Town Hall on Tuesday evening.

It is hoped the far-reaching project will provide a network of footpaths, cycle paths and sports facilities for everyone to enjoy while conserving Pebsham's unique environment.

The drive to create this green space is being steered by Rother District Council, Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council and Crowhurst Parish Council.

This is due to all these authorities having an interest in the 600-hectare site '“ it is largely managed by Rother, parts are owned by Hastings, East Sussex County Council runs the waste facilities at Pebsham and Crowhurst is the nearest parish authority.

Ideas for the park include nature conservation, wildlife watching, a strong emphasis on walking, horse riding facilities, cycle paths, skateboarding, BMX activites and water sports, plus arts and education facilities.

Frank Rallings, project manager, spoke of the need to provide space for people to relax and take part in these activities while conserving the site's ecology.

Mr Rallings encouraged the community to get involved in the project - and there are plans afoot to set up a Friends of Pebsham group.

Mr Rallings said: "We already have our first Friend of Pebsham - park ranger Guy Loader's dog, Mole, who really does break the ice with people.

"Now we just need another hundred people to join."

The area covered by the park includes sites of special scientific interest '“ and is also influenced by the 1749 wreck of the Amsterdam, the geological goldmine of dinosaur footprints and petrified forest at Bulverhythe beach and the beautiful Combe Haven Valley.

Work which has already been carried out includes improvements to the disused railway line to make it more accessible to walkers, plus the building of two new footbridges, two kissing gates and one squeeze stile.

n If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Pebsham, or would like more information, send an e-mail to James Waite at Rother District Council on [email protected]