BILLINGSHURST COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP BURNT ROW PROJECT

The Billingshurst Community Partnership has received a grant for £25,000 for a project to be undertaken in this area. This grant comes via the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nationwide Building Society and The Countryside Agency. The project involves an area to the west of the village near the new recreation land which is known as Burnt Row.

This project will be an opportunity to offer training and development for our young people and it will address the desire of the community for a place of interest to go and relax and enjoy our local heritage.

It is thought that in around the 1800s there was a habitation of farm cottages or such like and training and research into the archaeology with regards to this will hopefully take place. Some foundations and an ancient well remain. Students from the Weald School, the local History Group and other interested parties will research the area and conduct a test dig. The area will be digitally mapped and photographed from the air.

The area is rich in natural plants and animals such as deer, rabbits and many birds and insects. These things are seen to be an educational opportunity for local children and as such two or more ‘information boards’ are planned for the area giving details of the natural habitat, the history, the wide-life, possible types of buildings and their use.

The area has established footpaths. The intention is to mark these with direction signs giving information on the destination, time and distance for example. It is hoped that these can incorporate directions to the near-by Wey and Arun Canal.

The project is going to photographed and videoed throughout and these will be used at a public exhibition and to help bring the project to local disadvantaged groups including the residents at local retirement homes.

The project is seen as a real chance to involve various individuals and groups within the community and it is particularly exciting because it will benefit local children and students who will help in aspects of the project. The student’s involvement will go towards their GNVQ or AS level qualifications in subjects such as land management, maths and archaeology. It is hoped that the project will stimulate the community’s interest in the areas local heritage.