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The Common

For the latest reports and information, please visit the Reports and Surveys page.

Introduction

Under the enclosure award dated 11th of September 1855 made in pursuance of an Act of Parliament made in 1850 the enclosure commissioners allotted a parcel of land numbered 38 on the enclosure map containing 4 acres to be held by the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Pulborough in trust as a place for exercise and recreation for the inhabitants of the said Parish and neighbourhood. By virtue of the provisions of section 14 of the Local Government Act 1894 the Parish Council replaced the Churchwardens and Overseers as Trustees. The property is now held by the Pulborough Parish Council as charity trustees and not in its statutory capacity. Access to the land from the West is by a public carriage road or highway 30 feet wide numbered 71 and from the North by a public footway 4 feet wide numbered 71a on the map in the following pages. See an extract from the "Enclosure Award" (transcript).

Extract from the Enclosure Award

dated 11th of September 1855 relating to Nutbourne Common and its access road and footpath.

Now know ye that in pursuance of the provisions of the said Acts and by virtue of the powers and authorities in me vested I the said Richard Emery the valuer as aforesaid do make and declare this to be my Award in the matter of the said Inclusive and to this my Award I have annexed the map referred to by my said report.

And I do hereby declare that I have set out and appointed and do hereby set out and appoint the following public Carriage Road or Highway that is to say

One public Carriage Road of highway of the width of Thirty feet and numbered 71 on the said Map commencing at a point marked h on the said Map

One other public footway of the width of Four feet numbered 71a on the said map commencing at a point marked t2 on the said map and extending thence across allotment numbered 37t on the said Map to the South West corner of the allotment numbered 38 on the said Map and along the East side of the Western fence thereof and extending thence across allotment numbered 33 on the said Map and along the Private Carriage Road numbered 69 on the said Map to and terminating at a point marked q on the said Map.

And I declare that I have set out and do hereby set out allot and award unto the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish of Pulborough All that piece or parcel of land numbered 38 on the said Map containing Four acres to be held by them and their successors in trust as a place for exercise and recreation for the Inhabitants of the said cee Parish and neighbourhood And I direct that the fences on all sides of such Allotment shall from time to time be repaired and maintained by and at the expense of the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish for the time being.

Tree Preservation Order No 2120 of 26th April 1979 applies to 60 mature oak, birch and other groups of mature trees.

The area of the Common was once a field of low productivity and clear of trees has gradually evolved since 1855 into a very nice natural area with trees gorse and indigenous vegetation growing back very slowly from the outside leaving a small clearing in the middle. Human activities such as cricket probably hampered the centre from returning to the wild earlier.

1969 -1980

During this period a plan to establish a Rugby Club on the Common and at one stage it was proposed that the land be sold to the Rugby Club. This was objected to by a local group (200!) and the long drawn out dispute was finally ended in favour of the objectors who wanted it left in its natural state for all to enjoy not just a few. This has allowed a very nice natural area to develop almost free of man's interference and it is enjoyed by many of the villagers for "exercise and recreation as originally prescribed". Around 1979 the Common was described as 2 parcels of land; a central clearing No. 3682 0.707 Ha & an outer surround of trees (with TPOs) No 3676 0.881Ha. Refer to the map below.

2005-2006

A study and survey of residents was carried out so as to produce a "Village Design Statement". The following was noted.

The Common, which once extended over a much larger area, is now about 4 acres. In the 1950s cricket was played there, but nowadays it is simply a valued wildlife area abounding with flora and fauna. Its bluebells, primroses and the bracken make attractive ground cover used by nesting birds such as woodcock and pheasant. Most of the trees are birch and oak and these attract a varied woodland bird population including birds of prey and owls.

The open woods also offer an ideal haven for a variety of insects including butterflies, moths and dragonflies.

Protection of this important village amenity as a wildlife area is high amongst the priorities of the local residents.

October 2006

A plan was conceived by Pulborough Parish Council to put it under the care of the South Downs Joint Committee & Sussex Wealden Greens and Heaths Project and the details are in this action plan.

The PPC Recreation and Open Spaces Committee continued to monitor the project closely and kept locals informed of progress.



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