Our April meeting incorporated and commenced with the group AGM where the existing committee members were re-elected unopposed.The meeting then received an update of planning issues from Ed Miller. A proposal to improve Ferring Village Green and build a play area for older children was the subject of discussion between Arun District Council, Ferring Parish Council and residents, including local children, during the past 6 months. The original proposal has been modified after further discussion and now includes a small indicative football pitch with goal posts, a large basket swing and climbing wall including a net, tower, slide and fireman’s pole. There will also be a cable run approximately 30 metres wide by 3.5 metres high. This play area will be on trial for 1 year but it is unclear when the play equipment will be installed. Ed went on to report that the planning application for 1 x 4-bedroom house at Hangleton Equestrian Centre has been refused but the application for a 1 x 3-bedroom house in Ferring Lane had received conditional approval.
News of wildlife in the area concluded our meeting with sightings of Small White, Brimstone, Peacock and Tortoiseshell butterflies. Also many of our summer visitor birds have arrived, including Swallows, Swifts, Sand Martins, Blackcap, Wheatears, Winchats and Whitethroat. An unusual sight was witnessed by 2 of our members when around 400 Brent Geese gave a flying display just above the shoreline oblivious to several children playing at the water’s edge. Many Birds of Prey have been evident recently with 8 Buzzards spotted at the Kingston Gap plus Red Kites and a pair of Kestrels.