Commons

Henfield Parish Council - Henfield Commons

Henfield Common | Broadmere Common | Oreham Common | Tanyard Field

We are very fortunate in Henfield to have three areas of Common Land, all with different interests and in recent times the addition of The Tanyard Field has ensured for future generations, a green space in the centre of the village.

There is a description of Henfield's four Commons below; Each description also contains a link to some photographs of the Common.

HENFIELD COMMON covers 34 acres and encompasses grassland, woodland and a reedbed, together with a small area of marsh and heath. The Common is actively managed to enhance its flora and fauna, and for the recreation of residents and visitors. Up until 1886, when a main drainage ditch was dug, much of the Common was a bog, where cattle and humans were at peril if they wandered off the pastureland! The woodland which encompasses the Common on two sides is secondary, having mainly developed since the 1930’s and is dominated by Oak, Birch, Rowan and Sycamore, with the recent addition of sapling Black Poplars. The ground flora in these areas is a typical mix of Bluebells and Bramble. The grasslands reflect the underlying geology, clays to the west with greensand outcrops. Many rare and interesting plants abound, some owing their introduction to our world renown local Botanist William Borrer (1781- 1862). It is recorded back in 1687 that an Annual Spring Fayre was held and Cricket was first played on the Common in 1764, making it one of the oldest Cricket Grounds in the world. Fayres, May Queen ceremonies, May Pole dancing, Coronation and Jubilee Celebrations, Sports Days and in recent times W.I. Flower Shows, are a far cry from the Manorial wasteland of the Middle Ages when cattle, sheep and horses grazed the Common and pigs rummaged the scrub for food. Through the ages Henfield Common has evolved, changing its pattern to meet the changing needs of time. Now it is an unspoilt area of countryside, which is a precious heritage to be cared for, nurtured and treasured for the enjoyment of all.

BROADMERE COMMON, located amongst intensively farmed countryside, is 11 acres of a valuable conservation site, with ponds and woodlands. Once an industrial area for the digging of clay used in brickmaking, it now gives us a nature reserve of special significance. Wildlife abounds in its many ponds, Kingfishers, Deer and Nightingales adding jewels to our Commons crown. Old Picture Postcards show the Mere Pond, in Victorian times, coming up to the side of the carriageway and as a conservation project, it is hoped to restore this pond. A small trial pond was dug in the winter of 1999 and dependant on its water holding capacity; we can look forward, with hope, to adding yet another jewel!

OREHAM COMMON on our southern most boundaries gives us some of the most delightful views of the South Downs, from Chanctobury in the West to Devils Dyke in the East. Comprising 14 acres of herb rich grassland with some scrub and woodland, it has a small pond in the western corner. In its earliest days a Roman road ran its length, and in the 17th and 18th Centuries, Smugglers such as “Black Jack” used a pathway across the Common, known as “Old Mans Neck” to bring their ill-gotten gains northwards from the coast.

THE TANYARD FIELD is 4 acres of damp grassland with a pond at the southern end This field was given into our care for perpetuity, following the development of 1 acre for houses at its northern end. When you look around this pleasant pasture, it is hard to believe that in the 17th Century a thriving industry existed, employing a great number of men from the village. It was one of the chief centres for Tanning, with Tan Pits, Bark Mill, Skin Shaving and Drying Sheds, Leather House, Glue Furnace, Water Tanks and Lime Pits. All that exists today is the Barn, which was restored by the B.P. Guild in 1993 and a few foundations of the long gone Workshops. Nearby is a small area, which give us a permanent reminder of a by-gone, smelly industry ‘Pinch Nose Green’!