Residents Invited To Use Hailsham Country Park

The Country Park, owned and maintained by the Town Council, covers approximately 22 acres and incorporates woodland, an open field area, wildflower meadow, two ponds and a lake. A water course skirts the open field area and all-weather footpaths can be found throughout the park to encourage people of all ages to enjoy this precious open space area. The Town Council employs one part-time Park Warden and one part-time Water Bailiff to monitor the lake and fishing permits respectively.  An Environment Warden is responsible for the removal of litter. Lakes & Ponds Fishing is permitted on season at the Country Park Lake (off Gleneagles Drive) and Hempstead Pond (adjacent to Tilehurst Wood).  Both fishing areas are well-stocked with fish including carp, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch and the odd pike.   Daily fishing permits can be obtained from MFC supplies in Station Road and yearly season tickets are available at the Town Council Offices.  Please contact Karen Moralee on 01323 841702 (during office hours) for all fishing permit enquiries.   Woodland The various woodland sites have a very good selection of tree species including birch, oak, ash, maple and wild cherry.  Wildlife residing in the area includes voles, mice, lizards and weasels. Wildflower Meadow The wildflower meadow, situated behind the lake car park off Gleneagles Drive (by Troon Cottages), is currently being re-established by the Town Council’s Hailsham In Bloom committee in conjunction with Wakehurst Place (Kew), after gaining approval from local residents. Wildflower meadows are becoming an increasingly rare sight nowadays, and their creation, restoration and maintenance plays an important role in increasing biodiversity by supplying a rich habitat for wildlife, including insects and birds. Access & Parking There are two car parks on the boundaries of the Hailsham Country Park, situated off Holyhead Close and Gleneagles Drive). Cllr Bryan Burchmore, who chairs the Town Council’s Environment & Leisure Committee, is proud to have been involved with the council’s improvements to the site over the past twelve months: “Recent enhancements to the park have included the construction of a new path around Wentworth Pond and, in conjunction with the Hailsham In Bloom Committee, the restoration of the wildflower meadow there, amongst other area-specific projects.” He added: “The high level of maintenance of the park by Town Council staff, together with regular monitoring of the area by local resident volunteers, ensures people of a safe and clean public green space for the whole community to enjoy.” The committee’s vice-chairman Cllr Geoff Rowe, welcomes members of the public to the park: “Hailsham’s Country Park is a truly wonderful facility and has so much to offer, affording magnificent views, recreational grassland, great walks, ponds and a wildflower-rich meadow.” He added: “In terms of accessibility, the various paths and ample signage make the whole experience for residents and visitors to the park easy for them to get around.  Furthermore, there is no admission charge into the park and car parking is free.” “With the compliments of Hailsham Town Council I would encourage people to take a stroll around the park and enjoy the facility.” Copies of the Hailsham Country Park official map are available to members of the public free of charge at the Town Council Offices, Inglenook, Market Street.

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