Monthly Archives: June 2025

Protecting the Goring/ Ferring Gap

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(Photo by John Vaughan)

Please see the following statement that gives an update on the situation regarding the Gap:

The open space between Goring and Ferring — known as the Goring/Ferring Gap — is
a designated “Local Green Gap” and deeply valued by our community.
In recent months, planning applications to develop part of this land triggered strong
concerns and widespread objections. Thankfully, Worthing Borough Council rejected the proposals — a victory for local voices.
Subsequently the land was put on the market, which raised a new possibility: could the
community buy and protect it for good?
So local amenity groups got together and decided to create a proposal, which was to set up a Community Trust to purchase the land, funded by a Crowdfunding campaign.
Unfortunately, the proposal was rejected by the landowner, who decided to take a
different route. We understand that the land will be put back on the market, although the
final plan is unclear.
The same local amenity groups came together again to explore the options. The result?
A decision to continue and form a Community Trust, ready to purchase land if the
opportunity arises, funded by a future crowdfunding campaign.
� More updates will follow soon — watch this space.
Want to help shape the future of the Gap?
We’re looking for people to get involved — including potential Trustees.
Contact any of the following groups to express your interest:
– Ferring Conservation Group
– Goring and Ilex Conservation Group
– Goring Residents Association
– The Worthing Society
– Transition Town Worthing CIC

Sussex Wildlife Trust

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Of Owls, Larks and Hedgehogs

By Kerry Williams,  Communications Officer – Conservation, Sussex Wildlife Trust

I’ve always been a night owl. I’m writing this as my creativity kicks in; unhelpfully that’s usually around 9pm. I spent my childhood howling in resistance at those who dared tell me it was bedtime. I would read until 3am and be virtually dragged from my bed for school in the morning.

Despite what my mother says, it’s a real thing. We are genetically predisposed to different chronotypes associated with our circadian rhythm. There are owls (those who wake and sleep later), larks (those who wake and sleep earlier) and ambivalent (those who are more adaptable to sleep pattern changes). I used to long to wake up earlier and make the best of the day. Especially as a keen birder it would be advantageous. If I ever do it’s glorious. The air is different in early morning. There’s so much light, so much time. But there are perks to the night too. It’s quiet; everyone else is asleep. It’s peaceful and less distracting. And the best bit, of course, is watching nocturnal animals.

I live with another owl. Together, we slink about the local nature reserve at dusk. Hushed tones to fit in. Eyes adjusting to the perceived blackness. There is rarely anyone else around. The damp smell of the reedbeds seems stronger than in the day. The gravel and parched grass crunch louder underfoot. The world feels bigger somehow, yet more tranquil. We detect dancing bats who whizz past our faces, saving us from nibbling evening midges. We walk directly past Rabbits on meadow buffets, who barely look up to note us. We take in pre-roosting bird calls; Reed Warbler, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, and skyward silhouettes of those returning for the night; gulls, corvids, a Peregrine. A Fox on patrol stops to watch us with an air of disdain; ‘It’s my turn now’.

Once we’re out of the reserve we stop at the usual spot, at the usual time, and wait. Then we see it. Squat legs, busy snout and about 5,000 spines scuttle across the car park and along the kerbside dandelions. The Hedgehog crosses the road; it’s not busy but it’s still a risky game, and I once flagged down a startled mini-bus driver to allow for safe hog passage. The Hedgehog continues along a footpath, and through a fence hole cut by kind urban wildlife heroes.

These sightings feel like treats to which few of us are party. I’ve not only accepted my night-time owl form; I completely embrace it. Just don’t ask me to make plans before midday.