News

The community tree planting days in The Warren planned for January and February are another event to fall victim to national lockdown restrictions.  The parish council, with agreement of The Tree Council, have been forced to cancel the planned days.  Social distancing regulations and ‘Stay at Home’ guidance make it impossible for volunteers to get together.  With the tree planting season ending in March the decision has been taken not to reschedule another date until autumn this year.

The good news is that 2900 tree and shrub saplings will be planted by professional contractors MJO Forestry in the next few weeks.  A variety of species native to this area and suitable for the landscape will be planted both inside and outside the area of deer fencing.  See more information about the planting scheme.

An area will be kept clear to enable planting to take place later this year and a further 800 saplings planted by our community volunteers.  All fingers are crossed that we will be able to get together in a more normal environment and make it a good day out.

Harting Tree Champions will continue to look after the re-growth in The Warren.  Get in touch and get involved

We are back in a national lockdown.  The changes to the rules can be confusing but we have tried to make sense of what has changed;

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary.

You may only leave home to shop for basic necessities for your household or a vulnerable person.

You can leave home to exercise outdoors with your household or one person from another household. You should not leave your local area. Exercise should now be limited to once a day. Parks, beaches, public gardens and forests remain open.  Outdoor sporting venues such as gyms, swimming pools and golf courses will now be closed.

Schools and colleges will remain closed until at least mid February

There is additional advice for those who are clinically vulnerable. Letters will be sent to those affected

You should still attend medical appointments or seek urgent medical attention if necessary.

This is not a complete list.  More information is available on our Covid-19 pages and on Government websites.

We are in this together

We are all in this together but we know that some are affected than others.  Look out for your neighbours and don’t forget that help and support is on hand if you find yourself in need – even if it is just for a chat on the telephone.

Contact Us or Call 07787 651701

From Boxing Day West Sussex and Hampshire enter Tier 4 – the highest level of lockdown.

The Parish Council Emergency Group is active and able to help with shopping and other essential tasks if you are unwell or in isolation. Call your buddy if you need any help.   Or call the Parish Council on 07787 651701.

See more information on the Tier 4 restrictions

Harting Primary School will be carol singing around South Harting on Tuesday 15th December accompanied, in traditional style, by the Salvation Army band.

Join in with our youngest singers for a socially distanced singalong. 

Find the words to the selected carols

Carol Singing Route

7.00pm – meet at school

1 – Warrenside flats

2 – The Rectory, The Street

3 – Intersection: North Lane and The Square

4 – Lower Culvers

5 – Hall car-park/Pease Croft

Subject to the weather and health of those involved!  We may add some additional stops on this route, depending on timings, weather, etc.

The re-planting of The Warren  has made it into national newspapers.  The Daily Mail arrived to report on a visit from the Chief Executive of Network Rail, Andrew Haines, and the CEO of The Tree Council, Sarah Lom who came to plant two symbolic yew trees and to have a look at the progress made so far in the regeneration plan.  Network Rail funded the grant of over £32,000 awarded by The Tree Council for the replanting of The Warren.  The hoped for full planting day could not take place due to Covid restrictions but the two CEO’s were keen to see the progress of the natural regeneration protection.

Two community volunteer planting days are planned for January 2021, weather and lockdown restrictions permitting.  It is hopes that around 800 saplings will be planted by a band of local volunteers.   

Every night in December an advent window will be unveiled in South Harting between 5pm and 8pm. The idea, the inspiration of our Rector Harriet Neale-Stevens, will see a trail of decorated windows grow through the village until Christmas Day.  

Christmas has officially arrived with the annual ‘lighting up’ in Warrenside on 1st December.

Although the usual party couldn’t take place the lights went on and local families braved the cold but moonlit evening to have a look.

A welcome sight in any year but especially now when we could all do with a bit of Christmas cheer.

Around 20 residents of West Harting gathered on a rainy Sunday in October to carry out an organised litter pick around West Harting, including Ryefields, Goose Green and Quebec. Whilst the main purpose was to clean up the roads and verges of debris, it was a good excuse to get together with neighbours for a chat as well as as tidy up.there was also a strong social and community element as well, enabling residents to meet and chat as they tidied up.

Marc Newton, a newish resident to West Harting, who organised the event said “To see so many local people coming out to help care for this place is incredibly heart-warming Many thanks to all who braved the rain to help keep West Harting clean and tidy. We are so lucky to live in such an amazing place.”

 John Miller, Parish Councillor who lives in West Harting, added, ” We collected 12 bags of rubbish! We were very grateful to Harting Parish Council and especially Trish Walker, the Parish Clerk, for supplying special refuse bags, and loaning litter grabbers, gloves and hi-visibility jackets. This was all about doing good and having fun.”

Contributor – John Miller

Read the thoughts and observations from the Chairman of the Parish Council.  The first one available now.

In lockdown it can be easy to feel stuck in the house and end up not seeing or speaking to anyone.  Our usual activities are curtailed but walking is not restricted and you can go for a walk with one person from another household. Get together with a friend or neighbour and enjoy the scenery.

The Parish Council Emergency Group have been out and about updating 10 local walks which were originally put together by the Harting Society in 1999.

There are 10 walks in total and the first few are available now.  Some will appeal to those who would like a more gentle walk while others will be popular with those like more of a challenge. We hope you enjoy them.

Follow the links below for printable versions of each walk.

Harting Walk No 2 – a more gentle walk around South Harting. Distance of approximately 2 miles

Harting Walk No 3 – a fairly easy and varied walk from South Harting towards Foxcombe with one steep hill. Distance of approximately 4 miles

Harting Walk No 4 – an easy walk with one moderately steep incline.  Distance of approximately 3.5 miles

Harting Walk No 5 – a lovely walk across farmland to East Harting. Distance of approximately 3 miles

Harting Walk No 6 – a lovely walk along lanes and across fields to Hampshire Farm and East Harting. Distance of approximately 4 miles

Harting Walk No 7  – a lovely walk taking in South Harting and farmland to East Harting. Distance of approximately 2 miles

Harting Walk No 10 – a long but easy walk taking in West Harting and beyond to Down Park Farm and Upperton. Distance of approximately 7 miles

Find out more about the walks