Rookwood development proposals: BioBlitz action planned

The ‘BioBlitz’ study is being organised by the Friends of Horsham Park and the Keep Rookwood Green Alliance and aims to assess the impact of the proposed housing development on the ecology of the golf course and neighbouring Warnham Nature Reserve.

The ‘family friendly’ study event will be held at Boldings Brook, north Horsham, on August 15 and aims to produce the first official ecological record of the site.

Organisers say they want to record as many different species of plants, insects, animals and fungi in a set location and time period to gain a better understanding of the biodiversity of the area.

Tim Thomas, from the Friends of Chesworth Farm, said: “A BioBlitz like this is important for recording the beautiful trees, the flowering plants, as well as all the animals, including birds and insects, at the site.

“We’ll have experts on hand to help with identification. There are records for Warnham Nature Reserve, however we would like to know more - for ourselves as well as the national database - about the rich diversity of adjacent Rookwood.”

Nature reserve trustee Peter Simpson said: “Wildlife sees Warnham Nature Reserve and Rookwood Golf Course as a single green space that provides many diverse habitats; building on Rookwood will reduce this space to just one third of its current size.

“This highlights the importance and connectivity of wildlife corridors that run from the reserve, along the river to Chesworth Farm and beyond.”

Anyone who wants to attend the BioBlitz, which is free, needs to book tickets in advance to adhere to social distancing regulations. See https://bioblitzhorsham.eventbrite.co.uk

No decisions have yet been made on the housing proposals at Rookwood, which is owned by Horsham District Council.