Hailsham Town Council remains committed to preserving and enhancing Hailsham Country Park, ensuring it continues to be a safe, welcoming and well-maintained green space for residents and visitors alike.
Located off Gleneagles Drive, the 22-acre park is one of the town’s most valued community assets. It features a diverse landscape of woodland, open recreational grassland, two ponds, a lake and a watercourse bordering the main field area. A network of all-weather footpaths throughout the site encourages outdoor recreation and provides year-round accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.
Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: “We take great pride in maintaining Hailsham Country Park to a high standard. The park provides a peaceful setting where people can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, from walking and jogging to fishing and picnicking. Recent fencing repairs form part of our ongoing programme of improvements, helping to ensure the park remains a safe and attractive space for everyone to enjoy.”
Over recent years, the Town Council has delivered a range of projects designed to enhance the park’s accessibility, appearance and environmental value. These include:
These initiatives reflect the Council’s continued commitment to providing an inclusive, accessible and environmentally sustainable public space.
The park is cared for year-round by the Town Council’s works team, whose regular maintenance programme helps keep the site clean, safe and enjoyable for all users. Routine inspections, repairs and landscape management work are carried out to preserve the park’s natural beauty and ensure it remains a trusted destination for recreation and relaxation.
Tony Lee added: “The Town Council manages and maintains several acres of public open space across Hailsham, ranging from formal parks and recreation grounds to grassed areas, ponds and lakes. Providing residents with clean, safe and attractive spaces to enjoy remains one of our key priorities.”
Fishing: The lake off Gleneagles Drive and Hempstead Pond, located adjacent to Tilehurst Wood, are stocked with a variety of fish species including carp, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch and pike. Both waters are leased and managed by the Southdown & Hydneye Community Angling Club (SHCAC). While there is currently no closed season, temporary restrictions may be introduced during spawning periods to help protect fish stocks.
Woodland and Wildlife: The park’s woodland areas support a wide range of tree species, including birch, oak, ash, maple and wild cherry. These habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife, including voles, mice, lizards and weasels, making the park an important local haven for nature.
Access and Parking: Visitors can access the park via two free car parks located off Holyhead Close and Gleneagles Drive. Directional signage is positioned throughout the site to help visitors navigate the various footpaths, facilities and points of interest.
Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Assets Management Committee commented: “Hailsham Country Park is one of the town’s most treasured green spaces and an important asset for the local community. The Council is committed to investing in its upkeep, ensuring it remains a safe, attractive and accessible place for people to enjoy throughout the year.”
“Whether visitors come to walk, fish, observe wildlife or simply relax in peaceful surroundings, we want the park to continue providing opportunities for recreation, wellbeing and connecting with nature for generations to come.”
For more information on the park or to report any issues, please email the Town Council or call 01323 841702.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk