On the rural fringes of St Leonard’s Forest in Colgate sits Rangers Lodge, a unique wildlife hospital. What makes Rangers Lodge unusual is that it is one of the very few places that takes in injured UK wildlife including deer, foxes, hedgehogs, birds, bats, owls, geese and ducks. For full story clcik here.
RIVERSIDE FARM CAMPING
Riverside Farm Camping in Rudgwick is one of the best kept secrets in the Horsham District thanks to its tranquil location on the River Arun. Now, the family-run campsite has collaborated with a vehicle restoration specialist to offer unique glamping units for hire. Full story here.
HORSHAM BID SCHEME APPROVED
Businesses in the town centre recently voted in favour of becoming a Business Improvement District (BID). Horsham BID has produced a strategic business plan that aims to improve life for those working in or visiting the town. Full story here.
SAVE WEST OF IFIELD GROUP
West of Ifield in planning documents - has been earmarked by Horsham District Council for development. It would initially accommodate 3,000 new homes, making it the largest new site for ‘strategic scale’ development in the latest version of the HDC’s Local Plan. Full story here.
COLLYER'S COLLEGE IN HORSHAM
There have been many changes to Collyer’s since it was founded 491 years ago,yet today, it has a reputation as one of the leading sixth-form colleges in the region while remaining true to the ethos of its founding father. For full story click here.
Work on the new 19.5m St Catherine’s Hospice at Pease Pottage has been completed. Barnes Construction presented a ceremonial key to the charity on Thursday 23 November, symbolising the end of construction and the start of a new home for the charity, which has until now been located at Malthouse Road in Crawley. Full story here.
HAZEL HIDE AT HEATH FLOWER FARM
Kate and Duncan Heath have built a beautiful timber-framed cabin in an isolated location at Heath Flower Farm, Ashington. AAH met the couple to find out more about their quirky venture. Read the full story here.
FLORAL FRINGE FAIR
This year was the 10th staging of the Floral Fringe Fair, founded by Jean and Stephen Jackman in 2012 to celebrate all things quirky and eccentric. After moving between several venues, the fair was held in Loxwood for the first time. For full story, click here.
ABC ANIMAL SANCTUARY IN WEST CHILTINGTON
The West Chiltington-based charity cares for a wide range of animals including pigs, goats, cats, birds and horses. A recent Open Weekend gave visitors a chance to groom Shetland ponies Buddy and Raffles, and revel in the mischievous antics of Paddy, one of three Boer goats. For full story, click here.
HORSHAM FIRE STATION
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) has opened its new training centre and fire station in Horsham. Full story here.
SHIPLEY SOAPBOX DERBY
The Shipley Soapbox Derby was staged for the second time on Saturday 3 June. Hosted by Shipley CE Primary School, the event attracted a large crowd, who cheered competitors of all ages as they flew down the short downhill track. AAH was there to speak to some of the star performers, as well as organiser Sarah Cuthbertson. Click here for full story.
SUSSEX GREEN HUB
The Sussex Green Hub is held on the last Saturday of every month at the URC on Springfield Road (opposite St John the Evangelist Church and near The Lynd Cross) from 10am – 4pm. The event offers information on recycling schemes as well as a community café. For full story, click here.
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, BUNCTON
Surrounded by farmland in the shadow of the South Downs, All Saints Church at Buncton remains one of the District’s hidden gems. Read the full story here.
FOSTERING IN WEST SUSSEX
John Lewis has also formed close ties with the West Sussex County Council's Fostering Recruitment team, which has been keen to take advantage of the national publicity the advert has generated. Full story here
WEST GRINSTEAD & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PLOUGHING MATCH
The 151st West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society held its annual Ploughing Match & Show on Saturday 17 September 2022. For the report and pictures click here
THE HORSHAM QUAKERS
“I often say that I can’t understand why everyone isn’t a Quaker,” says Tony Cocks, a familiar face at the Meeting House in Worthing Road, Horsham. “It seems to me that the Quakers lead the way in terms of reflecting society. We are concerned about the environment and climate change, have strong views on war and human rights, and accommodate practically any definition of God.” Click here for full story
THE WEY & ARUN CANAL
The Wey & Arun Canal links the River Wey in the north at Shalford (just north of Bramley) and the River Arun at Pallingham in the south. Along the 27-mile route, it fringes or passes through villages including Cranleigh, Dunsfold, Loxwood and Wisborough Green. Full story here
NEW BARN SCHOOL
Tucked away in a rural location on Guildford Road, Broadbridge Heath, New Barn is a purpose-built school for children and young people on the autism spectrum. Currently, it caters for pupils aged 7 - 19, with both primary and secondary provision. Full story here
It may be that the days of world fame are long gone, but there is great excitement and anticipation now that the Leonardslee estate has been bought by entrepreneur Penny Streeter. Click here for more.
KNEPP ESTATE REWILDING PROJECT
The Knepp estate is home to one of the most successful rewilding projects in the country. Having been intensely farmed for generations, longhorn cattle, Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies and red and fallow deer now freely roam the 3-500-acre estate. Click here for full story
THE MONKS OF ST HUGH'S
In 2011, AAH visited St Hugh’sCharterhouse, Parkminster. Readers have asked us about it ever since, fascinated by the lives of the men inside the only Carthusian Monastery in the UK. Here, we return for the first time in ten years. Click here for full story
BOHUNT HORSHAM SCHOOL OPENS
The District has a new secondary school, with the opening of Bohunt Horsham. Situated on the new north Horsham development, recently named Mowbray, the school welcomed pupils for the first time after the Christmas break. For full story, click here
ROFFEY VACCINATION CENTRE
Bluecoat Sports Centre in Christ’s Hospital has administered over 75,000 vaccinations and is one of the country’s leading centres for the booster roll-out. AAH visited the Millennium Hall to meet medical staff, immunisers, managers and volunteers…For full story, click here
FARLINGTON SCHOOL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS
Farlington School celebrates its 125-year anniversary this year and its third as a co-educational school. The arrival of the first boys in 2018 was followed by the first Headmaster, James Passam. For full story, click here.
ROOKWOOD HOUSING DEBATE
Of all the green spaces being considered for development in the Horsham District, one is proving to be more controversial than the rest. Rookwood. For full story, click here
VOLUNTEERS DURING CORONAVIRUS IN HORSHAM
response to Coronavirus, Volunteer Hubs were established to help the most vulnerable people. Horsham District Council worked in partnership with social media and community groups to co-ordinate a fast and efficient response to enquiries, ranging from food shortages to emotional support. For full story, click here
MUNTHAM HOUSE SCHOOL FEATURE
We visit Muntham House School in barns green. Is there more to it than a school for naughty children? Click here for More
HOLBROOK ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE
Holbrook Animal Rescue in Horsham centre predominantly focuses on caring for and re-homing domestic animals - mainly dogs and cats . For full story, click here
LODGE HILL ACTIVITY CENTRE
Every year, about 28,000 people enjoy the remarkable outdoor activity centre at Lodge Hill in Pulborough. For full story click here
COBBLESTONE WALK IN STEYNING
Visitors could easily miss the shopping arcade in the heart of Steyning’s High Street. But those who do venture inside Cobblestone Walk are treated to fascinating shops full of character. For the full story click here
STEPHEN JACKMAN'S CLOCK COURSES
Stephen Jackman has worked with clocks for 14 years. His full-time business is repairing, servicing and making them, specialising in Grandfather clocks and musical pieces. Full story here
AMBERLEY MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE
Traditional Crafts & Skills on show as Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre celebrates 40 years. For full story click here
PLANS FOR INCINERATOR IN HORSHAM
In 2018, plans for a new incinerator in Horsham were rejected by West Sussex County Council.Now, Britaniacrest Recycling is attempting to overturn the council’s decision. Full story here
LIFESPRING: A NEW CHURCH FOR HORSHAM
Lifespring is a reincarnation of King’s Church, part of the Newfrontiers network of evangelical churches around the world. For the full story click here
SUSSEX PRAIRIE GARDENS
Sussex Prairie Gardens near Henfield is celebrating 10 years as one of the most unusual gardens in the District. Read the full story here
HORSHAM UNITARIAN CHURCH
The difficult to define Horsham Unitarians meet in what is undoubtedly the most unassuming of Horsham’s churches.For full article click here
DENNE ROAD CEMETERY IN HORSHAM
Denne Road cemetery is an important part of the town’s historic heritage. Buried here are people whose lives and work contributed significantly to the Horsham that we know today. For full story click here
EAST CLAYTON FARM IN WASHINGTON
Pitched at the foot of the South Downs, a charity is offering the chance for people in need to engage in rural life. We visited East Clayton Farm on Storrington Road, Washington. Full story here
QEII SILVER JUBILEE SCHOOL: A CREATIVE EDUCATION
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School uses performing arts to enhance pupils’ education. For the full story click here
ST MARY'S HOUSE IN BRAMBER
Whilst St Mary’s captivates passers-by with its simple charm, those entering inside enjoy a tapestry of intriguing features, with every room telling a story. For full story click here
HORSHAM ICE RINK
Horsham ice rink proved to be a pleasant surprise, adding some much-needed magic sparkle to Christmas in Horsham. Read the full story here
KNEPP SAFARI
The Knepp estate is running safari tours to demonstrate the success of its rewilding project. For full story lick here
Through binoculars, I’m looking out across the wetlands of Pulborough Brooks, to a willow tree where a Peregrine Falcon is perched. It dawns on me that this is the first time I’ve seen one in the wild; at least one that I knew was a Peregrine. Click here for more
THE STORY OF HORSHAM RIVERSIDE WALK
The Riverside Walk is a 13-mile trail around the outskirts of Horsham, taking in many beautiful and historic sites. Full story at https://aahorsham.co.uk/content/riversidewalk
HORSHAM BLUEPRINT FORUM
Horsham Blueprint is an open forum for the people who live or work in the town to contribute ideas for a neighbourhood plan. https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/blueprint
ROOTS TO GROWTH
Roots to Growth is a scheme run on the edge of the Wiston Esatte in Washington, in which vulnerably housed people can grow their own produce. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/roots2growth
STORY OF THE COCO'S FOUNDATION
The team have recently returned from another emotiuon trip to South Africa. Next, the charity - formed by a team of local hairdressers - could expand to Nepal.. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/cocos
GIRLGUIDING IN HORSHAM
Despite major changes in modern society, the Girlguiding movement remains as popular as ever here in Horsham, thanks in part to the gift of a campsite. For a full report see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/girlguides
SEDGWICK PARK HOUSE
Sedgwick Park House is one of the most historic sites in the district. We meet current owners John and Clare Davison, who have big ideas for the future. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/sedgwick
BILLINGSHURST UNITARIAN CHURCH
The Chapel may be tucked away off Billingshurst High Street, but after an English Heritage grant, the Unitarians are making a song and dance in the community. https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/unitarians
OAK TREE FARM: RURAL CARE
A focus on outdoor activities that appeals to the people (most of whom have an autistic spectrum disorder) that visit Oaktree Farm Care each week. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/oaktree
WARNHAM NATURE RESERVE REMAINS A HIDDEN GEM
Warnham Nature Reserve continues to be one of the ebst spots in Sussex to view local wildlife. As well as having one of the county's biggest heronry, rare sightings have included an Osprey and Avocets. For the full story see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/warnhamnature
CONCERN FOR GREENFIELD LAND IN NORTH HORSHAM
Horsham Council has outlined a plan to build on land in North Horsham. But the plan has been labelled 'illogical' by the Horsham Society. For the full story visit https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/northhorsham
THE STORY OF ST LEONARDS FOREST
St Leonards has spent more than a century recovering from two great battles. Firstly it was plundered for its timber, and then it came under attack from an army...of rabbits! Click here for More
HOW HAMMER PONDS DROVE THE IRON INDUSTRY
Horsham is fortunate in that it boasts a number of beautiful, tranquil ponds, which are located across the High Weald. But once upon a time these ponds were bustling sites of an extensive, environmentally destructive iron industry. Click here for More
RIDGE FARM STUDIO IN RUSPER
Just five years after the release of Be Here Now by Oasis, Ridge Farm Studio in Rusper closed. Here is the story of one of the great rural studios. Click here for More
THE BLUE IDOL QUAKERS AND WILLIAM PENN
The Blue Idol in Coolham was founded by Quakers including William Penn, a man who would have a huge impact on the history of America. Read about his life. Click here for More
THE MAGIC OF WARMINGHURST CHURCH
Warminghurst Church is far from being one of the wonders of the world. But any visitor to the church will be in little doubt that they have found one of the great hidden treasures of the Horsham district. Click here for More
YMCA: THERE'S NO NEED TO FEEL DOWN
We tend not to think of Horsham as a town that has an issue with homelessness.That's largely down to the work of Horsham Y Centre. Click here for More
WARNHAM DEER PARK: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
Breaking the record for the number of points is not the ultimate goal at Warnham Park Estate which has been world-renowned for its Red Deer for over a century. Click here for More
WEST GRINSTEAD STATION
Ken Bartlett was the station master on the last day, and 46 years since his last day at the station, he remains a local resident. Click here for More
DAME VERA LYNN TRUST SCHOOL FOR PARENTS
In Five Oaks near Billingshurst, there is a special school that is achieving incredible results in helping parents develop the skills of children with cerebral palsy. Click here for More
RE-CREATING AN ESCAPE FROM COLDITZ
During World War Two, British prisoners of war at Colditz Castle began work on one of the most daring of escape attempts ever considered. Click here for More
FIGHT FOR GREAT HOUSE FARM
Barry and Owen Charman have switched from dairy farming to beef farming at the historic Great House Farm in Southwater. Click here for More
AMBER FOUNDATION: GIVING PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE
No to days are ver the same at The Amber Foundation in Ockley, which helps troubled young people get back on their feet Click here for More
KINGDOM FAITH CHURCH'S GROWING INFLUENCE
Kingdom Faith has been growing steadily over the years, but in recent years its impact and influence on Horsham has been more evident. Click here for More
ONCE A BLUE, ALWAYS A BLUE
Christ’s Hospital School is unlike any other school in the world. We visited on a very special day to find out why... Click here for More
ARE THERE GHOSTS ON CHANCTONBURY RING?
Chanctonbury Ring has, for many years, been a site of great archeological and historical interest. But is it haunted Click here for More
THE CAMELIA BOTNAR FOUNDATION
In Cowfold on the rural outskirts of Horsham, the Camelia Botnar Foundation has been providing incredible opportunities for such young people for more than 30 years. Click here for More
THE STORY OF THE ACID BATH MURDERER
When the head of Horsham CID forced open the door of a small brick building in February 1949, he had walked -unwittingly - straight into John George Haigh’s workshop of death. Click here for More
