Pocket Park is the small area of woodland between New Place Road and the main Recreation Ground. The Parish Council owns the part to the east of the public footpath, and Harwoods own the part to the west.

The Parish Council is responsible for the maintenance of its part of the land and funds essential work including tree surgery.  It also liaises with West Sussex C.C.(whose responsibility it is) concerning the flow of water through the culverts under the bridge, and has a long term aim of removing the culverts (which regularly get blocked) and installing a new bridge there.

In the years after the hurricane in 1987, when devastation occurred in the already neglected area of the Park, a very willing group of volunteers formed the Pocket Park Association under the enthusiastic leadership of Eileen Kelly and David Morris, and did an enormous amount of work to enhance the attractions of this delightful part of Pulborough. Unfortunately however, in the 1990s as they became older, the Pocket Park Association declined, but it was revived in 2004 by John Garrett, one of the 3 surviving founder members, who enthused others to join. Sadly he died in 2007, but the remaining volunteers meet regularly to continue the maintenance of the area and promote interest in it.

The Pocket Park Association therefore continues as a formal body to look after the land under the auspices of the Parish Council. It meets in the Park on a Sunday afternoon every two or three months, and tasks usually involve cutting back excessive undergrowth and branches blocking paths, spreading wood chippings on paths, clearing litter, and ensuring free flow of the stream. Bird boxes also have been installed, and assessments are made of major work necessary for the Parish Council to arrange in the Park, e.g. tree surgery and maintenance of the two bridges.  The work involved is rewarding physically and socially, and is satisfying in the sense of a ‘good job well done’; furthermore it is done in the knowledge that it is saving the Parish Council considerable sums of money in maintenance of the Park!

We are always in need of more volunteer support, so why not join us on one of our working parties?!  The next one is arranged for Sunday April 18th at 2.00, and details will be posted of subsequent ones.  The sessions usually last an hour, occasionally longer if a big task or bonfire is involved. We appeal to anyone interested just to turn up on that day, equipped with gloves and whatever suitable tools they can bring (secateurs, loppers, wheelbarrow), and lend a hand. You would be very welcome!  If you require further information, please ring John Denison on 01798 872613.