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Singleton Parish Council

( Volunteers Clearing the River Lavant )

This website provides information about the activities of the Parish Council in the villages of Singleton and Charlton - pretty villages situated in the Lavant Valley, a few miles north of Chichester in West Sussex.

All of our councillors are volunteers and are committed to representing their community. They:

give views, on behalf of the community, on planning applications and other proposals that affect the parish
undertake projects and schemes that benefit local residents
work in partnership with other bodies to achieve benefits for the parish
alert relevant authorities to problems that arise or work that needs to be undertaken
help the other tiers of local government keep in touch with their local communities

We want to work closely with our community and encourage residents to get in touch with us and attend meetings. Please get in touch and join our mailing list, mailchimp

18 November 2024

Full Parish Council Meeting

Singleton Village Hall Monday 7:00 pm View Details

How to report issues to WSCC

The WSCC Love West Sussex app can be used to report potholes, graffiti, fly tipping, damaged pavements and many more. Simply send in your report using the WSCC free mobile app, a text or picture message. Love West Sussex will deal with your report and we will send you a message when it's complete.

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/make-an-enquiry-or-report-a-problem-with-a-road-or-pavement

Useful Contacts

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Latest Parish News

Chichester District Council - District Dispatch

District Dispatch

06

November 2024

As the autumn and winter months draw in, and many of us retreat indoors for warmth and comfort, it’s very much the opposite for our strategic wildlife corridors project officers! For them, winter is action time, when they get outdoors and work with communities across our district to give nature a helping hand.

Over the last couple of months, they’ve been taking part in an ongoing project to remove floating pennywort from the Pagham Rife. This is a highly invasive plant that can smother habitats, block waterflow, crowd out native plants and take oxygen from fish and insects. It's difficult to completely remove as it can re-grow from small pieces that break free, but this latest round of clearance work will help keep the rife clear for the immediate future.

Other recent projects have included carrying out a bat survey at Reed Farm, and installing several different types of boxes for bats, owls and hedgehogs. During the bat survey, there were sightings of several different species including Daubentons, Pipistrelles, Soprano Pipistrelles, Serotine and Noctule.

They have also been working on ecological assessments to create a management plan for two freshwater habitats that contain Great Crested Newts. This is our country’s rarest newt and is protected by law, but sadly it’s facing great decline due to habitat fragmentation and loss. The plans being created for these freshwater habitats will ensure that both this and other species can flourish.

The team have recently installed two new Barn Owl nestboxes near the Maybush Copse community woodland at Chidham, providing nesting and roosting opportunities for this iconic species, which is often seen in the area.

Our wildlife corridors are an important way of creating better, joined up habitats that are essential to many different species, and I look forward to hearing more about the different projects our team will be carrying out over the winter months.

I’m also pleased to let you know that applications for the second round of our Community Orchard scheme are open. Community Orchards are collections of fruit or nut trees grown in public spaces and shared by local people, and we now have £9,000 available for community groups across the district.

Last winter we supported almost 40 new orchard trees as part of the scheme, including apples, pears, cherries, greengages, plums, and crab apples. This raises the total number of orchard trees planted through the Tree Chichester District scheme to 178 since 2022. This will help provide healthy, fresh produce to local communities for decades to come.

Community groups, parish councils and schools who are interested in planting a community orchard in their area can find out more by emailingtreescheme@chichester.gov.uk by 17 January 2025. Successful applicants will need to have completed their planting projects before the end of March next year.

In addition, we also have funding available to help plant trees, hedgerows, small-wooded areas (copses) and orchards in specific areas of the district where planting could help increase links between habitats and help our environment adapt to the changing climate.

Planting new trees benefits our district in so many ways, from improving biodiversity and boosting carbon storage, to enhancing the natural beauty of our local landscape for everybody to enjoy. This is why we are encouraging landowners to use our targeted tree scheme to plant trees and hedgerows on their land. The scheme aims to better connect our woodland areas, allowing different species to move and migrate for food and to breed, while also helping restore the historical loss of trees.

If you’re a landowner in the district, I’d encourage you to find out more about our targeted tree scheme, and check whether you’re eligible for a grant. You can visitwww.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme or email our Tree Project Officer for details and advice:treescheme@chichester.gov.uk

Best wishes,

Cllr Jonathan Brown

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy at Chichester District Council

South Downs News - October 2024

06

November 2024

View this email in your browser

WORK AND PLAY IN YOUR NATIONAL PARK

THIS MONTH:

Wonderful wetlandsFind out about the £1.7m lottery funding that will help to restore internationally-important wildlife sites and help raise awareness about water.
Christmas is coming!Learn more about the festive fun taking place across the South Downs.
Advent Calendar QuizTest your South Downs knowledgefor chance to win a luxury hamper!
Win a £50 voucher!Wake up and smell the coffee at one of the region’s best roasteries.

As always please send your comments and ideas to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk

Click here to read a PDF version of South Downs News

PICTURE OF THE MONTH: Before the chill of winter sets in, the woodland colours at this time of year are truly inspirational! Here's an enchanting image of Bramshott Common, in Hampshire, taken on a walk by Steph Horne. Read this lovely piece written by Heathlands Engagement Ranger Will Dickson that discusses the awesome sights and sounds of autumn on South Downs heaths.

If you have an amazing seasonal image, please do email us!

Huge funding boost for wetlands

A huge funding boost will help restore precious wetlands across the South Downs region and help raise awareness about the vital importance of water in all our lives.

National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £1.7m to the “Downs to the Sea” initiative, which will increase and restore a network of vital wetlands across and around the South Downs National Park.

Downs to the Seawill help carry out much-needed restoration work to a number of internationally designated wildlife sites, such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks (right) and Pagham Harbour in West Sussex. The initiative will restore 15 ponds in the National Park to create biodiversity hotspots and support the movement of wildlife between sites, increasing resilience to a warming climate.

Learn more here.

Win a luxury hamper in online quiz!

How good is your knowledge of the South Downs?

Our ever-popular Advent Calendar quizreturns next month for the chance to win a beautiful hamper packed with gorgeous goodies worth £100.

Each day there will be a new door to open, revealing a fun quiz question covering all manner of topics, including wildlife, history, geography, general trivia, popular culture, and Christmas, of course!

We’ll be giving away a runner-up prize of a bottle of Upperton Nebula sparkling wine, lovingly made right here on the sunny slopes of the South Downs National Park.

Jeff Travis, PR Officer, said: “We started the calendar five years ago and it’s grown in popularity ever since.

“As well as the questions, there’s lots of images, video and trivia about the National Park and it’s a great way to learn more about this very special area. It only takes a moment of your time every day and is a fun way of getting into the mood for Christmas. Be sure to sign up before 1 December to get the reminders as you only have one day to open each door. Good luck with the competition!”

Sign up to South Downs Advent Calendar

Festive magic comes to South Downs

A winter wonderland of festivities is coming soon with a bumper line-up of events across the National Park.

From insights into the winter celebrations of Romans, Celts and Edwardians, to festive fayres with chestnuts roasting and carol singing aplenty, there’s something for everyone to enjoy over the next few weeks.

Find out more here.

Torc will go on display

A gold torc believed to date from the Iron Age will be going on display in Lewes.

Five years ago a metal detectorist discovered the torc near Pulborough and now two fragments have undergone detailed analysis by the British Museum.

The research, led by Dr Sophia Adams, suggests the fragments to be the first evidence for an Iron Age gold torc from Sussex, with the artefact now estimated to date back to between 2,300 and 2,400 years ago. Learn more.

New city hub for National Park

A Brighton school is to become the first “Ambassador School” in an urban setting for the South Downs National Park.

Moulsecoomb Primary School, on Lewes Road, is now proudly displaying its official National Park Ambassador School sign, which means it has become a hub for schools from the city and beyond to access learning opportunities about the landscape, heritage and wildlife of the South Downs. Find out more here.

"We returned home feeling content after our family adventure in National Park"

Portsmouth-based mum Nicki Robertz has discovered the restorative powers of the South Downs National Park in recent years. Here she writes about a wet autumn walk with her family at a 2,000-year-old yew forest, discovering ancient trees, fungi and birdsong and returning home breathing a little more deeply than before.

Arts project up for two big awards

An inspiring arts project that underlines the power of National Parks to boost health and wellbeinghas been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.

Find out more here.

New focus for tourism

Tourism that gives back to our natural environment and makes it better for future generations is one of the new focuses for the National Park.

Alongside the other 14 National Parks, the South Downs is supporting a shared vision towards “regenerative tourism”. Learn more here.

Stunning new calendar is now available!

Our all-new calendar features iconic views of the National Park taken from our annual photo competition.

Copies can be bought by visiting the South Downs Centre, in Midhurst, or Seven Sisters Visitor Centre, at Exceat, near Seaford.

Costing just £9.99, the calendar is also available to buy online or by telephoning 01730 814810.

Order online here: www.southdowns.gov.uk/south-downs-calendar/

Win a £50 voucher at amazingcafé!

Who doesn’t love a warming cup of tea or coffee on a chilly winter’s day?

EDGE Tea & Coffeeis an award-winning family-run Sussex business spanning three generations, expertly roasting coffee and blending tea since 1981.

The historic Dutch barn, at Ford, is the heart and soul of EDGE, an escape amongst the hedgerows and the perfect spot to find a moment of calm.

Across the roastery’s courtyard is the EDGE café, which welcomes dog walkers, cyclists and anyone interested in a spot of people watching for a coffee and a chat.

Poppy Chandler, from EDGE, says: “Relax in our courtyard, smell the warm aromas of coffee roasting and bring your pup along for a treat too.

“When it comes to coffee, we do not like to compromise. We travel the globe in search for the world’s top 5% of beans, for your to enjoy at home or in our café.

“Adjacent to the café you’ll find our EDGE Store stocked full of local goodies. You'll find the whole range of our specialty coffees, loose leaf teas, and treats from Sussex bakeries, independents and local artisan suppliers. At our in-store refillery, when you bring in your own container, or use one of ours, you'll receive a cheeky 15% discount on your coffee. Win for the planet and a win for your pocket!”

We’ve teamed up with EDGE Tea & Coffee to offer a £50 voucher to spend online, in-store or in the EDGE Café.

People signing up to the newsletter during November will be automatically entered into the draw.

Those who are already signed up can email “Sip, sip, hooray! It's tea time” to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk before midnight on 30 November.

Things to do in November

Find other events and activities across the National Park and submit your own. Please remember booking may be necessary and do check full details with the venue.

Calling all Dark Skies fans! Last chance to see the immersive installation of Mars at Chichester Cathedral, which ends on 10 November.
Meet the members of the Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers and see their hand-made models of wildlife in wood at Arundel Wetland Centre on 10 November. The carvers display their beautiful work and demonstrate carving techniques. Drop in for a chat – many pieces of work are for sale, with 10% or sales donated to Arundel Wetland Centre
Join a guided walk, entitled “War Footing”, from Iping Common on 12 November. On the 6.5-mile walk you will travel back through 1000+ years of military history, discovering the imprint of war upon the landscape of the Western Weald.
On 16 November The Goodwood Hotel, near Chichester, is welcoming one of the UK’s best-known stand-up comedians, Russell Kane and his entrepreneur wife, Lindsey, who have turned their passion for increasing people’s health spans, as well as their lifespans, into a rapidly growing business. Join Russell, Lindsey and Stephanie for a special afternoon of conversation as they expand on how they approach the ageing process, how gut health is key to a healthy lifespan and, of course, a whole heap of quick-witted hilarity too! Ticket revenue will be donated to The Samaritans.
Head to Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, Selborne, from 21 November to 21 December for a lights festival with a difference. The venue will be using renewable energy sources, solar power and low-level lighting with environmental consciousness at its core, remembering Gilbert White and his internationally important legacy to ecology. Fun for all the family, this is a chance to make new memories and discover how you can make changes to help wildlife and the environment around you.
Calling all science and technology buffs! The Lewes STEM Festival is a celebration of all the STEM activity in the local area. This year's events include a return of the popular STEM Fair on 17 November and a STEM Speakers Festival on 16 November. Lewes Astronomical Society has helped to put together the event on the Sunday and there are a number of distinguished speakers, including Professor Chris Lintott from BBC Sky at Night.
Are you aged 16 to 25 and want to make a difference to the South Downs National Park? A free Youth Action Day is taking place at Seven Sisters Country Park on 17 December, with a focus on nature recovery. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature as we explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Seven Sisters area.

Copyright 2024 South Downs National Park Authority. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk

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