‘Wildlife Haven’ in the Heart of Horsham
Hedgehogs, Stag Beetles and rare butterflies are not perhaps what Horsham residents would expect to encounter on their visits to town; yet they are there, to be found within some 30 yards of the town’s main bus station.
Horsham Unitarian Church, already locally known for the beauty and colour of its front garden, has chosen this year to dedicate an area of its land to give safe habitat for the varied and rare plants, insect and animal species already finding refuge elsewhere in its gardens.
Early action has begun on transforming the church’s northern grounds into a haven for wildlife. The work of clearing brambles and wild garlic and laying access paths (see accompanying drone photo) is being carried out in association with volunteers from Transition Horsham, with Head Gardener Teresa Ramsden co-ordinating with Transitions’ Alison Marshall.
Eventual plans include caterpillar and bird-friendly shrubs and flowering plants, and elements such as woodpiles and ‘bughouses’ to support the life-cycles of beetles and insects. The ultimate aim is to ensure that gardens which by chance previously protected rare and fragile wildlife will, in the future, provide a true ‘safe haven’ for such species.
If you would like to become a volunteer for Transition Horsham, contact Alison Marshall at coordinator@transitionhorsham.org.uk
