Our contractor was able to return to work at Hemsleys Meadow at the end of March and has made huge progress over the last month.

The drainage basins have been excavated. This has created a lot of soil which is currently in piles. Please be assured, these piles are temporary.

The Play Mound has been created using excavated subsoil, this will receive a thin layer of topsoil to take it up to a maximum height of 1.5m.

Our contractor and MSDC officers continue to carry out weekly site inspections to closely monitor ground conditions. Over the past month, the site has been steadily drying out, and we’re now in a position to begin preparing for work to restart. Behind the scenes, arrangements are underway to remobilise the team, with the aim of returning to site w/c 30th March.

Our contractor and MSDC officers continue to carry out weekly site visits to monitor ground conditions. Despite the above average seasonal rainfall the ground is now starting to dry. However, it is not yet in a condition that allows works to safely restart.

Over the past month, work on the site has continued where possible, despite winter weather, and periods of heavy rainfall.

Excavation of the first drainage feature has now been completed, and temporary channels have been created to help surface water drain into the new swale.

Due to the current wet ground conditions, a decision has been made to pause further works. Our contractor will continue to monitor the site and will restart work as soon as conditions allow.

Pausing at this stage will help protect the soil and ensure the long‑term success of the improvements being made.

Work has now been completed on a creating temporary access road from Finches Field to Hemsleys Meadow. This road will be used to transport equipment and materials from the compound located in Finches Field. This access road will then be upgraded to become part of the new path network.

The next stage of the project is to create the drainage features within Hemsleys Meadow.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as these works progress.

Our contractors, Blakedown Landscapes, will be on site from Wednesday 15^th October 2025.

These works are due to last approximately 21 weeks.

The first part will be to complete the required ecological works. These works will involve setting up a reptile fence in Hemsleys Meadow and clearing the area inside of the fence.

Hemsleys Meadow will be closed for the duration of the improvements. Access to most of Finches Field will be available but there may be changes in how you access the field.

A storage, site office and welfare compound will be set up in Finches Field for the duration of the build.

Have a look at the Post Planning consultation plan in the Plans and Documents section, to see what is going on.

Check back here for updates!

Following feedback received about the proposed 3m play mound, it has been agreed to reduce the height to 1.5m. Drawings are being updated to reflect this and will be shared shortly.

We’re pleased to announce that Blakedown Landscapes has been appointed to deliver the upcoming changes at Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field. With their extensive experience in delivering high-quality landscape projects, we’re confident that the improvements will benefit the local community and wildlife.

Blakedown Landscapes has an impressive portfolio, having worked on high-profile projects like RHS Garden Wisley, the Natural History Museum, as well as public parks similar to Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field. Their expertise and dedication ensure that we’re in capable hands.

Work is set to begin in 2025, and we understand that changes can bring mixed feelings. We appreciate your patience as we move forward with these enhancements. Stay tuned for more updates.

Plans for the works at Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field were approved at District Planning committee on Thursday 15^th August.

The project design team heard all the comments raised during the planning process and changes have been made to the design to reflect those where possible. For example, the height of the mound has been reduced from 3m to 2m; the den building teepee has been moved from Hemsleys Meadow and will form part of the toddler play space now proposed next to MacNaughton Hall, the table tennis table next to the Hall will not be included.

The project design team continue to develop the detail designs to be able to appoint a contractor.

Once a contractor is on board, we will share the final plans and there will be a chance to talk to members of the design team about how the works will affect you.

A new FAQ section has been added to the hub to address the concerns that were raised as part of the planning process.

This can be found on the right-hand side of the page and cover multiple areas such as the designs and play area.

If you have a question about the project that has now been covered by one of the FAQ answers, this can be submitted either using the Ask a Question option on the Hub or by sending an email to parksopenspaces@midsussex.gov.uk