SELSEY TOWN COUNCIL JUDGES BRIEFING NOTES 2017

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the historical town of on the southern-most tip of West .

Cited as the capital of the Kingdom of Sussex circa 680, mentioned in the and a base for Sir Francis Drake’s men who tried to lure the Spanish Armada on to Owers Rocks just off our coast.

Historically Selsey is a fishing community and holiday destination; we’ve hosted many famous faces over the years and our town is cited in films and songs alike!

We are very proud of our town and the range of groups, organisations, societies and individuals that make up our community. We hope you will be impressed by the diverse, fascinating and unique aspects of flora that we are fortunate and privileged to host on our part of the Manhood Peninsula.

We do not have major commercial sponsorship to create what we are but all is done on the back of the work of residents and the volunteer organisations who spend hours of their free time making Selsey the wonderful place it is to live and to visit. We’d like to thank the team at South East in Bloom and the judges for taking the time to consider our application.

Cllr Mike Beal Chairman Selsey Town Council

AWARDS ACHIEVED

Over the past few years we have entered the South and South East in Bloom awards; as the premier awards of this type in the UK we are always honoured to be a part of them. We have also achieved the Green Pennant Award (now Community Award) on two of our sites. Special mention has to be made for some of the awards achieved:

• East Beach Pond o 2010/15 Gold + Winner in the Conservation Area Category (SSEIB) o 2011/12/16 Gold (SSEIB) • Manor Green Park o 2009 Green Pennant + Winner of Special Award for Innovation (one of only ten awarded) o 2012/13/14/16 Gold (SSEIB) o 2015 Silver gilt • Sensory Garden - o 2009 Outstanding in Neighbourhood Award (SSEIB) o 2013/14/15 Outstanding in Its Your Neighbourhood (SSEIB) o 2016 Thriving in Its Your Neighbourhood (SSEIB) • Selsey in Bloom - o 2011 Silver + 2 Discretionary Awards (Community Involvement and Awards) o 2012 Silver + 1 Discretionary Award (Allotment of the Year) o 2012 Silver Gilt + 2 Discretionary Awards (Biodiversity Award and Highly Commended o 2013/15/16 Silver Gilt

We feel strongly that Awards help to recognise the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm shown by the many volunteers who spend hours of their time helping to make Selsey an attractive and welcoming place for its residents, visitors and wildlife.

1 Selsey Town Council www.selseytowncouncil.gov.uk

WELCOME TO SELSEY

The sea plays an important part in the community of Selsey both historically and today; it provides employment, fabulous food (the famous Selsey Crab!) visitor enjoyment, wonderful wildlife and breathes life into our town.

As such our ‘Welcome’ pays homage to all that it gives us.

• The roundabout and area around the Wave sculpture at the entrance to Selsey are sponsored by a local business under the WSCC Roundabout Sponsorship scheme • The Wave sculpture (‘Kanagawa’ created by the local artist William Pye), along with the posts and under- planting represent the coastal community of Selsey

• The sculpture is made of bronze and weighs approximately 2.5 tonnes. • The sculpture was part of the project to create a welcome to the town for residents and visitors as part of the Selsey High Street Vision

THE MANHOOD WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE GROUP (MWHG)

This group of volunteers has become an integral part of the community; the support and dedication they show to the open spaces in our town is invaluable

The Group originated as the Selsey Parish Map Group in 1998; in 2004 it became the Selsey Wildlife Group, further expanding in 2007 to cover the whole Manhood Peninsula and involves around 150 members. The Group’s aims are to research and enhance the landscape, biodiversity and heritage of the Manhood Peninsula through community involvement and foster its care, Commemorative planting after receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary enjoyment and understanding for the benefit of the public. Service

The Group began in Selsey and many of its main activities are centred on the Town to include the maintenance and enhancement of a range of wildlife areas by involving local people and thus contributing to community wellbeing and an improved environment. The group specifically works on sites including: • East Beach Pond • Selsey Common • Crablands Meadow • Sensory Garden • Manor Green Park • Community Orchard

The Group was named Green Champion for Conservation in the National Green Apple Award for Conservation Projects in 2006 and received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2010 The group held their AGM on October 19th where each individual group gave a full update on each area they manage; they hold regular Open Meetings to discuss future developments.

Selsey Town Council 2 www.selseytowncouncil.gov.uk

EAST BEACH POND AND PARK East Beach Pond area in the early 1980’s

East Beach Pond is used by residents and visitors as a link to the beach, residential areas and shops as well as a busy leisure area. Historically the site was marshy and a part of Selsey Common, however now it is a thriving for wildlife and delightful space for the community.

The East Beach Pond Group was formed in 2004 by a group of enthusiastic volunteers who worked with District Council (the owners of the site) and Selsey Town Council to transform the bare-sided and muddy site to an area beneficial to the community and wildlife. The site covers 1.3 ha, is East Beach Pond as it is today approximately 400mtrs from the sea and stands at 2.5mtrs above sea level

During late winter and into spring wildflower seed compatible with the site was widely scattered. A few perennials such as woundwort, Red campion and Lesser Celandine were also planted. Over the years many shrubs have been planted by volunteers and during early 2017 we added two Dogwoods and six rambling Roses, the latter being planted on the Spit. Where possible native or naturalised species are planted but a few garden plants that have grown as a result of seed dispersal can be found on the site. Wildflowers and other flora species are chosen or tolerated if they are compatible with the site, are visually attractive and are beneficial to wildlife. Spring flowers such as Snowdrops, Crocus, Grape Hyacinths, Daffodils and Bluebells produced a good display throughout the early months of the year but sadly the primrose bed, which in previous years had produced an abundance of plants, appeared to have been raided by plant thieves. Only six plants of the original 30+ remained. A winter program of was carried out along the pond margin to improve the vista and public enjoyment. Selected Willows were targeted and the larger pruning’s incorporated into a dead hedge. The alongside the lagoon were cut back to improve light penetration. At the same time and for the same reason, scattered reeds growing in the lagoon were cut back to below water level. The Common reeds blocking the channel leading to the outflow were cut back in the winter by volunteers using hand tools. A low dead hedge made up of mainly willow pruning’s is a recent project along the front of the Spit. The purpose of the hedge is to discourage youths on mountain bikes from using the site as a ramp. Rambling roses have been planted alongside the hedge to add colour to the dead wood . All green waste not used for on-site projects is collected for recycling by Chichester District Council

Volunteers cutting back the reed beds

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Volunteers maintaining the island. The island in the centre of the pond is a sanctuary for water birds. A pair of swan’s nest there and produce young every year. Unfortunately the 2017 brood suffered a high mortality rate with only one cygnet surviving. To minimise disturbance the island is only visited occasionally for scrub control and monitoring purposes. In recent years, it has been necessary to remove three White Poplars that were showing signs of the parasitic fungi Chicken of the Woods Laetiporus sulphureum. The most recent tree felled was cut into large rings and the group could utilise these rounds and create a stepping stone effect raised walkway across a water-logged footpath.

The pond and surrounding land is rich in plant life with thirty species of trees and shrubs, 129 species of wildflowers and 27 species of grasses, sedges and rushes. The plant diversity benefits a wide range of bird and invertebrate species. Surveys are carried out and are used to determine the health of the pond and the surrounding area. In addition to the routine surveys two evening surveys were carried out by the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage group during the past year. The bat survey recorded only Pipistrelle and the moth survey identified only moths that are common local to the area. Volunteers creating log stepping stones Many local groups enjoy the area; local fishermen coppice the willows for their garden structures, the Selsey Model Boat Club are regular users. They launch their boats and hold events on the pond; local schools and clubs are encouraged to visit, pond dip and enjoy the biodiversity of the area.

In 2014 the Group received funding for a board to greet and inform all those who visit the pond. In addition, the local District Council made funds available this year for a commemorative bench. Each year a Pond Open Day is held to coincide with ‘Love Parks Week’; the event attracts much interest with other local groups providing stalls of interest – such as Selsey Woodcarvers and the Selsey Model Boat Young people taking part in pond dipping and club. wildlife focused events. The spit is grassed with a good selection of wild perennials such as Ox-eye Daisies, Knapweed and Red Champion which are now well established. A path has been cut through the centre of the spit to take people to a quieter viewing area.

The bank by the picnic tables has been kept free of reeds by constant cutting and planted up with plug perennials and wild flower seeds and is proving to be an attractive feature. Native bulbs and plants planted in the “woodland” area at the north of the pond over the years have become well established and are a pleasure during spring time.

East Beach volunteers with their new bench to commemorate the hard work of their lead volunteer Mr Rex Clements

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Spring management of tree damage and shrubs, path maintenance and control of invasive species. Planting of crocuses and other native bulbs takes place each year. General surveys take place each year to record activities, identify wildlife, and record fauna.

Surveys have identified 136 species of wildflowers, 34 of grasses, sedges and rushes and 31 of trees and shrubs. Signs of wood mice, field voles and invertebrates. Resident swans, coots, moorhens and mallards nest here. Below the surface the omnivorous common carp and roach thrive. Routine litter picks and clearing of dog fouling takes

place each month by the volunteers.

East Beach Pond Group manage and volunteer their time each A regatta of model boats on the East Beach Pond month. Annual events encourage community use of the pond and enables the group to educate the community on their work and the importance of looking after the area.

MANOR GREEN PARK (Incorporating Sensory Garden, Community Orchard and Rain Garden)

Manor Green Park was part of the planning gain for the community in exchange for the housing and business park development. As a condition attached to the planning permission for the houses, the Park is designated as recreational open space for the benefit of the community and a public consultation for the design of the Park was held in June 2003.

The park incorporates a variety of different areas for the community to enjoy including a The Sensory Garden within Manor Green Park Sensory Garden, Community Orchard, Dog Walking area, playground and the newly The Sensory Garden within Manor Green Park developed Rain Garden.

The Manor Green Park Group is another subgroup of the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group with the aim to help develop and maintain the Park, to encourage community involvement and to promote participation in the conservation and environmental aspects of the Park. The Manor Park Residents Association from the neighboring housing estate takes an active role in what goes on in the Park and are consulted when further facilities are planned.

Regular Community Family Days are held in the Park incorporating the Selsey Music in the Sensory Garden during one of the Centre. Previous activities have included a mini beast safari, farm animals, Community Family Days wildlife photography workshop, meadow wildflower art workshop, nature treasure trail, wildlife and heritage exhibition, trim trail activities, musical recital in the sensory garden, wildlife related face painting, plant sales, drumming workshop, and stalls from local groups. The Community Days aim to encourage more visitors to the Park and educate the community in its wildlife and heritage. This year the park will be hosting the first Selsey Community Sports Day.

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A community orchard was planted comprising of a collection of 14 varieties, the 2nd largest collection of Sussex apples in the UK. Each tree has been adopted by a Selsey resident or group. As part of the 2016/2017 management of this area it was identified that the Old English Apple trees had not matured as they should, after consulting with the grower we have removed dead trees and replaced the soil around living trees with good quality rotten compost and horse manure.

From March, onwards volunteers have been alternating monthly feeds of compost and blood, fish and bone; we will assess in Autumn the success of our efforts! Children from the local nursery planting their tree in the Community Orchard

The Selsey Centre incorporates an underground 4600 litre rainwater storage tank which is used to water any newly planted trees and shrubs in Manor Green Park as a means of conserving water. The Manor Green Park Group has been instrumental in organising volunteer working groups for planting, weeding and clearing areas of the site. The Group organises and coordinates training sessions on all aspects of wildlife, conservation and biodiversity issues. These training sessions are held at the Selsey Centre. Volunteers carry out regular surveys and the results are fed into the Management Plan. A regular photographic survey is also carried out from the same spot in order to monitor any change in the habitat

The Sensory Garden is a well used area and continues to progress year on year providing a tranquil resting place affording scent, colour, texture and movement. We have planted new lavender, thyme and rosemary to help fill out the beds and add colour and aroma to the area. Paving stones have been added to prevent users from trampling on plants but enjoy the scent as they brush past. In May 2017 the centre of the garden has been revived with shrubs, perennials and foxgloves adding a fuller look to beds; with the benefit of giving both mass and movement in the planting and discouraging youngsters from cutting through the beds.

The Rain Garden The Town Council received funding to incorporate a Rain Garden in the Park which will help mitigate small scale drainage issues. Saturated, slow draining soil and a high-water table can cause flooding because water runs off the surface instead of being absorbed. Surface water after heavy rain is common in Manor Green Park and other areas on the Manhood Peninsula. This project took place between May and July 2016 and was landscaped and planted with water meadow plants and wild flowers through MWHG volunteers. The planting will help disperse water and add to the biodiversity and wildlife interest of the area. Unfortunately, a rare lack of rain during the project period meant the garden did not flourish. An information board has been erected to inform visitors about the project, and hope that as the first location on the Peninsula to have a Rain Garden we will have the chance fulfil the project.

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The Tree Wardens were selected to participate in two trials. The Maritime Elm Tree project which is a long-term project to monitor the progress of what are thought to be resistant Elm whips from growers from selected UK locations. These trees were only for maritime locations and five were planted at Manor Green Park and four at the local Medmerry Primary School. Manor Park has also participated in the Ancient Yew Tree Project and were supplied with a whip from the oldest Yew in the UK which was planted close to the Remembrance Oak near to the Sensory Garden. We also received 250 saplings of various species of which we planted 170 throughout Manor Green Park. All trees have been measured and located by GPS and the project will be Planting of saplings by tree wardens and volunteers monitored ongoing. The groups also undertake an ongoing Butterfly, Visitor and Volunteer survey.

As part of the ongoing managment of the park we built a compost area in March 2017 with the assistance of local companies who donated palletts and the Town Council maintenance team who assisted in the building. This enables us to better manage green waste and we hope to be able to use the resulting compost in Spring 2018. In the meanture local company Nature’s Way has donated compost for us to use across all our projects in the town.

Manor Green Park Group, Manhood Wildlife Heritage Group and the Manor Park Residents Association all contribute to the management of the area. Protective hedgerow planted along with 250 saplings, ancient yews, 5 elms and 6 Austin roses. Community Orchard has the 2nd largest collection Sussex apple varieties in the UK and has undergone extensive management. Development of Rain Garden and re-planting of Sensory Garden

Development of Rain Garden with water meadow plants and wild flowers will attract local wildlife. The Selsey Centre on the edge of the park has 4600 ltr rainwater storage which is then used to support planting. Over 20 varieties of butterflies have been recorded at the park over the last 6 years. The Community Warden arranges regular

litter picking sessions in the area. Building of compost area to create a sustainable green waste system

The volunteers average 40 hours per month during 2016/2017. This includes the maintenance, planting, record keeping and carrying our surveys. Further Community days will take place to encourage further engagement and the area hosts the first Selsey Community Sports Day.

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CRABLANDS MEADOW

Rough grazing for nearly 300 years, these wet meadows are remnant of the pre-Enclosure Act field system and are now managed for their wildlife value. The area is managed by division into marshland, dry pasture and dry meadow.

This is an SNCI [Site of Nature Conservation Importance], designated for its botanical importance.

The MHWG has produced a Management Plan for the site which is implemented in partnership with the landowner – Bunn Leisure. The focus of the work is the southern section of the site which is Volunteers carrying out one of their surveys predominantly wet grassland with small areas of willow scrub. There is also a pond and ditch. It supports a substantial population of Southern Marsh Orchids, for which the site is primarily managed. Surveys have also established the presence of Water Voles in the ditch which crosses the site These are the main tasks that our volunteers undertake: • An annual orchid count • Cutting back the encroaching scrub • Keeping the pond open • Water Vole surveys and monitoring

Several locally rare species such as Dyer’s Greenweed and Southern Marsh Orchid; locally rare species are found here.

The Crabland’s Meadow Group continue their programme to provide willow for the fishermen’s lobster pots.

Volunteers carrying out one of their surveys

A sighting of our resident deer family

The Working Party work in conjunction with permission from the land owner Bunn Leisure. Surveys take place annually to record number of orchids and wildlife in general.

Management and maintenance of scrub land that encroaches on the area. General protection of the site to ensure it remains ‘wild’ and un-touched to enable wildlife to continue to populate and thrive. A rare Southern Marsh Orchid; The Manhood Wildlife Group manage working parties; volunteers these are protected by law but from the local community. Provides an important and increasingly at risk due to loss of habitat rare wild space on the edge of a modern development, forming part of the landscape linking the town to West Beach and the caravan park at West Sands.

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COASTAL VEGETATED SHINGLE

Vegetated Shingle is important for the unusual and often highly specialised plants and animals it supports. It is a nationally rare habitat and of international conservation importance and especially important for terrestrial invertebrates – some of the rarest and most specialised occur on sparsely vegetated shingle and are unique to the habitat.

The best stretches of the habitat are on the north-east of the Parish, within the Site of Special Scientific Interest but not part of the RSPB Pagham Harbour Reserve.

Less rich but important sections lie along East Beach, between the Bill and Hillfield Road and below Medmerry cliffs. The cliffs themselves support other valuable coastal plants, especially Thrift.

When funding is available, the MHWG would like to raise awareness of the importance of this habitat, via interpretation boards and plaques, as these plants can easily be disregarded.

SELSEY COMMON Selsey Common is an area of waste ground that is dominated by bramble, wild flowers and rough grassland. Although out of keeping with the regularly maintained stretches of grassland either side of it, this managed wilderness greatly benefits the local wildlife.

The nectar bearing flowers and abundance of fruit, berries and seeds attract a host of invertebrates, birds and mammals. Of the summer visiting birds Linnets have for many years successfully bred on this site. Above: Flood damage after severe storms Migratory butterflies and moths attracted to this green oasis include Painted Below: Recovery of the area a year later Ladies, Clouded Yellows and the Silver Y moth. Resident mammals found here include Hedgehogs, Bank and Field Voles, Common Shrews, Wood Mice and Common Lizards

The site is maintained on a monthly basis by volunteers from the MWHG. Work parties carry out selective control of the bramble and other unwanted plant growth so as to maintain a diverse selection of wildflowers and grasses. All cut vegetation is disposed of as Green Waste and together with litter is collected by Chichester District Council (owners of the site).

In the interest of the local community the Manhood Wildlife Heritage Group created several interlinking paths cross the site. This has helped increase public accessibility, awareness and enjoyment; it particularly benefits dog walkers, casual ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts both in the community and those who visit.

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Paths are cleared through the area to Volunteers cut out bramble root Volunteers collect green waste for make it more accessible to the disposal. community

The managed wilderness is controlled selectively to ensure a diverse selection of grasses and wildflowers. Cut vegetation is disposed of via Green Waste in conjunction with Chichester District Council

Management ensures the area attracts a wide range of butterflies and moths as well as a host of mammals and lizards. Summer visiting birds such as linnets visit annually and breed successfully on the site. The maintenance of this wild space shows a clear commitment and recognition of the need to protect natural areas in an ever expanding town.

The Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group are all volunteers dedicated to support open spaces within the community. The paths they’ve provided at this site help to engage the community with the space. It provides a natural link to Selsey’s rural and coastal heritage and brings diversity of ‘space’ to an expanding town.

ST. ’S CHURCHYARD, CHURCH NORTON Church Norton is a vast area of 4.5acres and the aim of the volunteers is to keep it natural and in keeping with its natural environment. The volunteers work one morning a week depending on the weather, we have six in total who are all retired and are all over 60! We try to keep the grass as short as possible on the very uneven surface, the drive and paths free of weeds and the walls clear of overhanging foliage. Additionally, the volunteers shape trees, removing lower branches to let light through to improve the overall appearance. This year we have been concentrating on ‘splashes’ of colour – namely left of the lych-gate and two circular features to the left of the drive to create an impact on entering the gate. There is no water on tap, only a water tank often dry in summer! Bearing this in mind we concentrate on semi and wild flowers, spring bulbs and poppies for remembrance in June. We introduce seasonal plants in pots to maintain interest throughout the year. Planning ahead, we will be planting shrubs in the autumn and are considering a controlled area of geometric shapes and paths to create a meadowland area to the right of the drive near the north wall where few of the graves are still attended.

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WIDER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Medical Centre Garden • Students from the local secondary school, The Academy Selsey, designed and planted two aromatic garden areas at the Selsey Medical Centre with materials provided by local businesses. • The areas are now maintained by volunteers from the Manhood Wildlife Heritage Group. • Students from The Academy, Selsey work with the local Community Warden to arrange litter picks in this area.

The simple yet effective planting provides pleasing setting for those that use the Medical Centre. Planting requires little watering or management and gives a haven to wildlife in an otherwise built up area of the town.

The Centenary Flowerbed

• In December 2010, the local Guides and their leaders planted a small garden in the grounds of the local Co-Op in Selsey to commemorate their 100 years of Guiding. • This is known as their Centenary Flowerbed and is looked after by the different units of Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides in the town.

Selsey Tree Wardens

The Tree Warden Scheme is an initiative which enables people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing their local trees and woods. was one of the first councils to set up a Tree Warden Network following the national launch of the scheme in 1990 by the Tree Council.

There are 6 Selsey Tree Wardens, nominated by Selsey Town Council and, as a team, are affiliated to the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group. They tend trees in various locations and have regular ‘TLC’ sessions. They were instrumental in planting the Community Orchard and participated in a hedge laying course and have practised their skills on a number of throughout the Manhood Peninsula. They worked with residents in Hunnisett Close, Selsey to plant a small residential orchard of about 15 apple trees in December 2011 on a small plot of land in front of the houses.

Over 150 new trees were planted last year and a partnership has been forged with The Academy Selsey allowing an unused area of school grounds to become a tree nursery. This will enable the tree warden team to stock pile donated trees and strategically pan new areas of planting.

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Town Council Garden and Baskets

The Town Council do their bit with a garden that serves both as a place for plants and wildlife as well as a venue for those members of the community that use our premises. There is a water butt, two compost bins and an arbour for shade all acquired with funding from a climate change grant. The planting is low maintenance and requires limited watering; yet full of planting to attract wildlife. Our Lavender and Rosemary beds are a magnet for bees and butterflies and provides a welcome feast for birds later in the season whilst, although not a native plant, the large beds of Red Valerian provide nectar to bees, butterflies and moths like the Hummingbird Hawk Moth.

Each year the Town Council arranges for 26 baskets to be hung in the High Street to enhance our Town. This year we have used a local family-run nursery which raises plants from seed and plugs; they were asked to provide a bright, hardy and wind resistant mix which would give good colour throughout the season. The mix includes bush forms of geraniums, fuschias and begonias along with trailing plants such convolvulus, lobelia, verbena, bucopa, calibrachoa (million bells) and bidens. The maintenance team of three work to a year-round programme of sympathetic pruning, cutting and hedging to ensure the delicate balance between the resident’s access to our open spaces and the protection and encouragement of biodiversity is maintained. Bunn Leisure Since 1959 this award winning, family run business has been an integral part of the Selsey community and is the largest independent holiday village in Europe.

The park incorporates two ponds and a rife system which offers a welcome water attraction to wildlife; the planting on the site is chosen on its resilience to sea and salt and requires little maintenance or watering. The company organises regular beach cleans with their caravan owners as well as sponsoring local groups to undertake such activities. Many Caravan owners take a huge amount of pride in their ‘green’ areas and often impressive flower displays can be seen on site.

Medmerry Primary School rejuvenated a derelict piece of land adjacent to their playground by making raised beds and planting vegetables. A small greenhouse encourages the children to grow everything from seed; they a commitment to the environment by using water butts and composting where possible. Within the shrubbery the children have built a stacked bug habitat, using recycled materials, affectionately named 'Bugingham Palace'. The School has previously been awarded the bronze, silver and gold for its as part of the Eco School Scheme. The School entered the Blooming Schools Category for the first time in 2012 as a direct response to the judges’ comments in the previous year and achieved Gold. In 2013 they were Champion of their category.

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This year Medmerry are taking part in The Great British Elm Experiment. The experiment helps to raise awareness of the importance of elm trees and help Medmerry children to understand how living things rely on others for survival. Some of our Green team members planted four Dutch elm disease resistant elm trees on our school grounds with the help of tree wardens. Green team learnt lots of interesting facts and information to help Medmerry care for our four elm trees. We hope, with our help, the elm trees will grow to be healthy trees for Medmerry to monitor over the next 20 years- or even more!

Seal Primary School has made improvements to its outside area and has a thriving Eco Schools Club and a Gardening Club. Each Year Group in the school has their own raised garden bed. The school has improved its grounds by further development of the extensive Wildlife Area, and by planting fruit trees around the site.

The school also has a willow dome, raised beds in another part of the school for Year One to develop and the huge asset of a wonderful school field. The School entered the Blooming Schools Category for the first time in 2012 as a direct response to previous judges’ comments and achieved Silver Unfortunately both schools have experienced construction work over the last year and their gardening activities have been curtailed. We hope to see them entering the Schools Category again very soon!

The Bridge (Support centre affiliated with The Academy, Selsey) provides a range of support to the students at the local secondary school and created the Growler project (GROWing, Lifeskills, Experience and Relationships) in January 2016 with the aim of giving local young people the opportunity to develop through experience with growing and nature. Youth Dream’s operational premises, The Bridge, includes an area of land which was once used as allotments. From the start of the project we have worked to turn this land back into an area of cultivation, growing mostly food crops with the help of young people who volunteer on the project and learn through their time with us. Most areas are used for the project in general but we have enough space to allow our young people a small plot of their own to develop as they please. Owing to its location behind The Hut, behind The Bridge, behind the public library, we have called this allotment area the ‘Hidden Garden’. In the past we have had excellent crops of potatoes, raspberries, tomatoes, strawberries, runner beans, chili peppers, pumpkins and others. Sadly we lost a few of them to the smoke from the fire which burnt the Academy in August 2016. This year we have enjoyed a bumper crop of broad beans, purple sprouting broccoli, rainbow chard, garden peas and are waiting to see how well our potatoes are faring – the plants and flowers are gorgeous. We hope to be able to at least match the donation we made to the local Food Bank last year. We are also working to enrich the grown environment surrounding The Bridge to encourage wildlife of all kinds. Currently we have a focus on bee preservation and the cultivation of a small grove of saplings. Future projects include some raised beds and benches, growing some fruit trees up the side of the Bridge, a greenhouse and a poly tunnel.

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At the start of the project we enrolled with the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, and recently we nominated one of our most passionate young gardeners for one of their Young School Gardener of the Year awards. Our student was selected as a Finalist in his age group and won several prizes. He has also been invited to an afternoon at RHS Wisley, including a prize-giving ceremony, afternoon tea and a grand tour of the beautiful gardens there. We hope that his success will inspire other young people to join in with our gardening project.

Selsey Community Nursery

The nursery provides childcare within the Selsey Centre which is run by Selsey Town Council. They have recently worked with a local volunteer who has helped them transform some of their garden to enhance the outside area and engage the children in environmental activities. This includes a wildlife garden with bug house; Mr Fothergill’s donated seeds for the project and local trades assisted with the tyres and items for the bug house.

Work in progress on the wildlife garden and the end result in full bloom!

Selsey Allotment Society At one point in time Selsey was probably the only place with an Allotment Society without any allotments! The Town Council was offered use of a small piece of land on the eastern edge of the town during 2011 and subsequently leased it to the Allotment Society. There are now 10 allotment plots on this site.

The Society was pleased to receive the Allotment of the Year discretionary award in 2012. Another piece of land on the western edge of the town was acquired and leased to the Allotment Society in 2012; this now has 26 plots. Both sites have previously taken part in the successful Open Gardens event and provide an abundance of produce for their plot holders. A thriving dynamic group, the Allotment Society goes from strength to strength due to the dedication and commitment of its members.

Before and After pictures of the Allotment site

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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Selsey Walking and Outdoor Festival The Selsey Walking and Outdoor Festival is held in May each year to celebrate the amazing wildlife and stunning natural scenery. Selsey boasts a wealth of history and local character, which the walks helped visitors and locals to explore.

Richard Williamson who writes for the Chichester Observer and Dr John Mason from the South Downs Planetarium both led walks. Nearly 20 walks, cycle rides and dives took place over the event and proved to be very popular with all members of the community.

The Festival continues to expand, encouraging its participants to explore and engage in Selsey’s amazing natural heritage.

Selsey Horticultural Society

The society meet monthly at the local Selsey Centre with talks and presentations on a variety of subjects including a soil testing evening, The summer garden, winter planting and plants across the globe. This year they joined forces with the Selsey Walking and Outdoor Festival to put on a garden tour in the town; the event was fully booked and took visitors on a 3 mile tour of memorable gardens.

Selsey Open Gardens

This event has been running for 5 years and raises money for charities. The gardens attracted over 500 people through 17 gardens raising approximately £5,300 which was shared between the Alzheimer’s Society and St Wilfrid’s Hospice. The event is currently having a break and we hope it will reconvene soon.

Selsey Town Council 16 www.selseytowncouncil.gov.uk

Heritage Trail, Blue Plaques and Information Boards There are 13 Blue Plaques in Selsey and a leaflet shows the location and additional information regarding them. • West Sussex started its own scheme in 1992 and Selsey has nearly a third of the County’s blue plaques in the town where they create the Selsey Heritage Trail • There are 10 wooden information boards located around the town, 4 of which contain a map of Selsey identifying interesting, historical, environmental and tourist type information. Others have specific information relating to interesting sites and areas in Selsey: o Migrating Birds o Pleistocene Selsey o Selsey’s Undersea Wildlife o Wildlife of Selsey Common o Selsey’s Diving o Selsey’s History

Some of the many information boards around Selsey

Selsey Turns Red

Selsey Town Council granted £500 in 2014 to purchase poppy seeds to help commemorate the start of WW1 after a request from a resident

The seeds were packaged for residents for a donation of at least £1 for the Royal British Legion (14,000 seeds per packet). Other seeds were been given to schools and churches, as well as being planted in open areas around the town to create an ongoing memorial to those that gave up their lives for their country.

Each year the wind-borne seeds spread, bringing enjoyment and remembrance to all who pass the nooks and crannies they have settled in.

17 Selsey Town Council www.selseytowncouncil.gov.uk

Beach and Litter Picks

Selsey recognises the annual national Beach Watch event in September organised by the Marine Conservation Society. This takes place at East Beach and attracts many volunteers, a team from The Mulberry Divers, as well as support from the Community Wardens, local businesses and the Selsey and District Lions Club who provide the well-earned BBQ for all the participants. At the last beach clean over 20kgs of rubbish was removed both seaward and landward

In addition, volunteers survey 500m from Grafton Road (Oval Park), round the head to Lifeboat Way 4 times a year for the Marine Conservation Society There are regular litter picks in the High Street and surrounding roads co- ordinated by the Selsey Community Warden. The local Community Warden also works with local schools on Litter and Dog Fouling campaigns and organises regular litter picks within the town. This year we took part in The Great British Spring Clean in conjunction with students from local schools; educating the next generation as to the environmental impact of littering key.

Students from Medmerry Primary School and The Academy, Selsey.

Local Groups and Organisations involved in our ‘green spaces’

As well as the Working Groups of the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group regularly looking after their own areas, there are occasions when other organisations are called in to help with the digging, planting or general tidying up. They all play an important part in making Selsey an enjoyable place be:

Chichester College Community Wardens Hyde Martlet Housing Association The Academy, Selsey Manor Green Park Group Manor Park Residents Association Medmerry Primary School Seal Primary School PCSOs Selsey Town Council Selsey Junior Wardens Selsey and District Lions Club Selsey Tree Wardens Selsey Scouts Selsey Guides Selsey Allotment Society

Selsey Town Council 18 www.selseytowncouncil.gov.uk

Publications and Press A Sub Group of MWHG produce a range of guided walks leaflets in a series known as ‘A Sense of Place’: • East Beach Amble • Seaside Stroll • Tales of the Medmerry Marshes • Walk the Selsey Tram Way • Tracks, Trees and Tees • Beyond the Sleepy Lagoon These are available to members of the public so they can enjoy the Selsey area.

A small example of some of the press the town has received over the years

19 Selsey Town Council www.selseytowncouncil.gov.uk