Council to acquire Bramber Brooks to benefit local communities and boost biodiversity

Horsham District Council is excited to announce that it is set to acquire some 34 acres of green space on land in the south of Horsham District for the benefit of local communities and to provide a vital boost to local biodiversity.

The site, known as Bramber Brooks, benefits from public access, a private nature reserve and a community orchard, and is currently enjoyed by many members of the public.

This acquisition will secure Bramber Brooks as public green space for the future in order to retain the community benefits of the land and enhance biodiversity on the site, ensuring that it will continue to operate as a well-loved and much enjoyed area for people to enjoy.

The site is already well-used by local people and has strong links with the local community through schools and scout groups.

Adding Bramber Brooks to the Council's countryside estate will benefit our District by:

• Retaining public access to the land for residents and visitors
• Enhancing delivery of biodiversity improvements via a fully funded Environment Agency approved project to create more wetland areas
• Providing other improvements which could include, the introduction of seasonal cattle grazing, thistle and bramble scrub control, formal rights of way improvements and improved signage for users
• Positively contributing to the Council's existing successful flagship Wilder Horsham District initiative, delivering improvements to habitats and wildlife along the River Adur, as part of a wider nature recovery network.

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Green Spaces Cllr Jon Olson said:

As a Council we're excited to secure public access to this area of exceptional green space for the continued benefit of the local community and for the opportunities it presents us.

"Holding this land within our countryside estate should guarantee that proposals to improve the biodiversity of the site can move forward. Our Parks and Countryside team are experts in managing sites such as this and are equipped to both protect and expand upon the natural habitats at this unique site.

"This opportunity also re-states our commitment as a new administration that listens and represents communities all across our District as we look to inspire greener futures."