New Billingshurst playground unveiled

This has already been proven to be very popular addition to the gardens by the increase of footfall in the garden, and comments received back from the families and young people already using the new play area. The sandpit area and play train where installed last year.

Our group of volunteer’s are working towards achieving phase 2 of the planting scheme in April and May of this year. To do this we are looking for more volunteers to come forward to help with the planting. Any one wishing to join our friends group will be most welcome. The dates for planting will be published on the notice board in Station Road Gardens and our website. Volunteers would need to be prepared to help with the preparation and planting of plants.

During the last 3 years our garden project has developed from that of a redundant football and cricket ground, to that of an open community space that can be enjoyed by all ages. We have planted a small orchard,to include the re-introduction of old Sussex variety apples. This was achieved with the help and support of Brighton College of Permaculture, and the planting of the trees was done by children from Billingshurst Primary School.

Two years ago we had a variety of species of trees donated by Brinsbury College. These were potted up by the students and given to the gardens,and have since been planted within the garden.The Billingshurst Rotarians have approached The Woodland Trust for some 350 sapling trees/hedging for the gardens, and it has been confirmed that we will take delivery early this month. This will enable us to plant the hedging required within the garden.

Completion of the hard landscaping and paths edged in Yorkstone are key to the design and planting scheme within the gardens.

There is still a lot of work to be done to complete the soft landscaping, but we are sure that with the continued help of our loyal helpers, and with new volunteer’s that hopefully will come forward it will all be achievable.

On behalf of The Friends Of Station Road Gardens, I would like to thank Billingshurst Parish Council, Horsham District Council and the CLC for their support in helping us towards achieving our goal in providing a community garden for Billingshurst. Our thanks also must extend to all of the local companies and businesses that have awarded funding and materials both for our garden scheme, and in support of our own fund raising.

The Friends Of Station Road Gardens are holding their AGM at The Billingshurst Children And Family Centre Station Road on Tuesday 25th March at 7.30pm. All will be welcome.

We the friends of the gardens are all volunteers that have come together and formed a not for profit Ltd Company with Charity Status. Our aim is to provide a garden /open space where the community can meet and enjoy the play areas and open space for recreation, and in time we will complete the planting and seating areas within the gardens.

Report by Keith Brown, chairman of Friends Of Station Road Gardens