Singleton School Tree Planting Project

Dear Resident,

I’d like to share a little more information about the project we are working on in the field behind your home.

The Goodwood Estate has very kindly agreed for this field to be used by Singleton Primary School to create a new area of woodland. The South Downs National Park Trust is supporting the project by providing funding for trees, which will be planted by school children and other volunteers, with help from myself and the South Downs Ranger Team.

This space will support outdoor learning and forest school activities, while also enhancing local biodiversity by creating new woodland habitat. The new woodland will connect through hedgerows to larger wooded areas on the surrounding estates. The trees will also help slow water flow from the Downs, reducing the volume and speed of water reaching the section of the River Lavant below the field during heavy rainfall.

I’m very sorry to hear that the new fencing in the field behind your home has caused concern for some people. The fencing is intended to protect the young trees as they establish, and is expected to be in place for 10–15 years. If it remains in good condition, it may stay longer to continue safeguarding the habitat.

I’d be happy to visit and view the fence from your side of the river. I also understand that removing the old fenceline involved clearing a lot of scrubby vegetation. I’d be glad to arrange planting some trees outside the deer fence, to help soften the new view. We also have wildflower seeds available to sow on any disturbed ground along the banks on the Goodwood side.

I’m sorry if this work came as a surprise. I had hoped to reach everyone who this might affect via the Parish Council, but I realise now that I wasn’t able to inform everyone in advance.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like me to visit; my email address is: chloe.goddard@southdowns.gov.uk. I’d be very happy to have a look and make plans for planting on the bank tops outside the fenceline.

Warm regards,
Chloe Goddard
Ranger