Our neighbouring Parish Council has asked us to share the following information with you, regarding Woolbeding and Pound Commons –
Woolbeding and Pound Commons comprise 425 acres of open access land owned and managed by the National Trust for the benefit of all. It is a valuable local amenity, so hopefully you are already aware from the National Trust’s public meetings of their plans to install a perimeter stock fence around both Commons – see below for the latest version of the proposal and attached document on the style of fences & gates etc. This forms part of their long-term management plan to improve the common through more extensive use of free grazing, i.e. not limited by the current use of electric fencing. For more details, please see https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/woolbeding-countryside/woolbeding-reimagined-conservation-project, or contact the project lead Becky.Hiorns@nationaltrust.org.uk
Given the importance of the common to the Parish, the purpose of this request is to hear your views so that the Parish Council can submit a considered response when the National Trust (NT) submit their formal plans to the Secretary of State, expected to be in Q1 2026. The Parish Council will collate your views to form part of a public meeting to discuss this topic on Monday 26th January, details to follow.
Please send your comments on the proposal, both for and against, to the clerk at clerk@woolbedingwithredford-pc.co.uk by 20th December. Please say if you wish your response to be anonymous.
