Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field Masterplan

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Architects aerial plan/drawing showing proposed improvement options for Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field

Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field Improvements

Mid Sussex District Council plan to create a new community park at Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field.


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Background

In Spring 2020, we asked local people what we could do to improve Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field in Pease Pottage. Funding is available to begin the implementation of improvements

Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field Improvements

Mid Sussex District Council plan to create a new community park at Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field.


Get Involved and Keep Up to Date

To be kept informed of how to get involved and to receive updates about this project simply click on the 'subscribe’ button to the right of this page and enter your email address to register.


Background

In Spring 2020, we asked local people what we could do to improve Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field in Pease Pottage. Funding is available to begin the implementation of improvements at Hemsleys meadow / Finches Field. Landscape Architects prepared draft designs based on the feedback we received. The designs showed long term plans for how the space could be improved over time.

In Summer 2020, people had the chance to comment on the design and say what their priorities were. Landscape Architects refined the draft masterplan and made suggestions to the Council for priority areas for improvement based on local feedback. Funding is available to carry out the improvements at Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field.

Once funding was identified, plans were developed. A number of specialist surveys were carried out and the views of local people listened to, so the Landscape Architects had a more detailed picture about the park and what the issues were that needed addressing.

In early 2024, plans were submitted for planning permission.

The Masterplan includes a range of proposed enhancements such as better drainage of the playing field and improved signage. It also includes some more substantial improvements aimed at helping transform the Meadow into a community park with a strong sense of place and a wider offer than just a Meadow / open field.

The masterplan aims to address the main themes we heard that people wanted during the community engagement – Access to nature; formal and informal play; loops and destinations ie. circular paths



  • Ecological surveys to take place

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    Ecologists will be on the fields for one day during the week of 6th March to carry out the site assessment for the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. There will be no impact on use for regular visitors to the fields.


    A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal seeks to identify the main habitat types present on site and establish the potential to support protected or notable species. The site visit is part of the appraisal which also involves desk-based research.

    Mid Sussex District Council are working with a Registered Practice of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management who will send one or two ecologists to look for evidence of use by, or features with the potential to support, badger, bats, nesting birds, great crested newt, hazel dormouse, otter, reptiles, and water vole.

    The report they produce will be used by our landscape architects to make sure that any changes we make do not have a negative impact on the site’s wildlife, and ideally will enhance it.

  • Play consultation launched

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    MSDC Officers were in outside the community centre on Finches Field to publicise the launch of the playground consultation on Monday 20th February. Officers spoke to visitors about how they can share their views and ideas for the future play facility by filling in the online survey. The survey is open until March 6th.

    All the feedback collected will be used to help develop the designs for the play space to create somewhere that local families really want to visit.

    MSDC Officers also answered questions from residents about the wider park masterplan and the impact on their enjoyment of the space. The plans will be presented back with a further opportunity to comment in a few months’ time.

Page last updated: 13 Oct 2025, 12:54 PM