Residents Encouraged to Make the Most of Autumn at Hailsham Country Park

The Town Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of the autumn season by visiting Hailsham Country Park and enjoying the changing landscape, seasonal wildlife and extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Situated off Gleneagles Drive, Hailsham Country Park extends across 22 acres and is an important local amenity, providing a combination of woodland, open recreational grassland, ponds, a lake and a watercourse. The site is supported by a network of all-weather footpaths, providing year-round access for walking and outdoor activities.

With autumn now underway, the changing season in the coming weeks will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the park and appreciate its natural environment.

The park’s woodland areas contain a variety of tree species, including birch, oak, ash, maple and wild cherry. Alongside the changing foliage, the woodland and surrounding habitats provide important areas for local wildlife.

The Country Park also offers a range of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging and cycling along the established footpath network, while the open areas provide space for exercise, relaxation and family activities.

Fishing is also available at the lake off Gleneagles Drive and Hempstead Pond, adjacent to Tilehurst Wood. Both waters are stocked with a range of species including carp, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch and pike and are leased and managed by the Southdown & Hydneye Community Angling Club (SHCAC). There is currently no closed season, although temporary restrictions may be introduced where necessary to protect fish stocks during spawning activity.

Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, said: “Hailsham Country Park is a significant community asset and provides residents and visitors with an attractive and accessible environment in which to enjoy the outdoors.”

“Autumn is an excellent time to visit the Country Park. The changing colours of the trees will provide a particularly attractive setting, while the cooler weather and quieter surroundings will create ideal conditions for walking, exercise, wildlife observation and recreation.

“The Town Council would encourage residents and visitors to take the opportunity to explore the park during the autumn months and make full use of this valuable green space.”

Continued investment in the Country Park

The Town Council remains committed to maintaining and improving Hailsham Country Park and has undertaken a programme of works designed to enhance its accessibility, appearance, safety and environmental value.

Recent and ongoing improvements include:

• The installation of a new pathway around Wentworth Pond
• The resurfacing of pathways around the lake to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility needs
• Additional tree planting, including flowering cherry, rowan, ginkgo and liquidambar species
• Selective tree thinning within Wentworth Wood to encourage healthier ground vegetation and support biodiversity
• Essential fencing repairs to maintain safety and secure park boundaries

These works form part of the Council’s wider commitment to the responsible management of public open spaces and the continued enhancement of Hailsham’s environmental assets.

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: “Hailsham Country Park is maintained throughout the year by the Town Council’s works team. Regular inspections, grounds maintenance and essential repairs are undertaken to ensure the site remains clean, safe and suitable for public use.

“The autumn period provides an ideal opportunity for people to appreciate the park’s landscape and natural features. The Council will continue to invest in the maintenance and improvement of the site so that it remains an attractive and accessible destination for the community throughout the year.”

Access and facilities

The Country Park can be accessed via two free car parks located off Holyhead Close and Gleneagles Drive. Signage is provided throughout the site to assist visitors in navigating the footpath network and accessing the various areas of the park.

The all-weather paths provide opportunities for year-round use and enable visitors of different ages and abilities to enjoy the Country Park in all seasons.

Visitors are asked to help maintain the park as a pleasant environment by disposing of litter responsibly, keeping dogs under appropriate control and respecting wildlife and other users.

For further information about Hailsham Country Park or to report an issue, please email Hailsham Town Council or call 01323 841702.