Volunteers give Horsham Park a special 'spring clean' - and find a supermarket trolley and a fiver

The group removed visible and hidden debris from paths, grass and undergrowth in the town’s cherished green space. Their haul included bottles, cans and plastics as well as a supermarket trolley – returned to the store – and a £5 note.

The litter picks have been organised regularly by the Friends of Horsham Park for several years and have moved from being held annually to twice yearly events.

Steve Sandham, Friends of Horsham Park director who organised the litter pick, said: “We were delighted that volunteers took the time to help us in this vital task which really makes a difference to the appearance of the park.

“We all want to keep Horsham Park free of the rubbish that spoils users’ enjoyment and can be harmful or even fatal to the birds and other wildlife who share this beautiful space with us.

"We pick litter every six months or so as a ‘booster’ to the ongoing great work by Horsham District Council’s park and countryside team, and everyone who joins in enjoys the day – it’s really rewarding to fill a bag with rubbish and know you’ve helped to improve the park.”

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The Friends of Horsham Park aim to protect, enhance and promote Horsham Park as a place of recreation and enjoyment for the long-term benefit of everyone.

Anyone interested in joining them and getting involved in their activities – which include a weekly volunteer gardening session every Wednesday morning and a Sunday session once a month to tend the ribbon borders around the North Street entrance – can contact [email protected]

The Friends will also have a stall and activities at this year’s Funday Sunday on July 7.

Meanwhile, other projects involving The Friends include working with The Horsham Society to create a guided ‘Park Walk.’

They are also working on a community engagement project for schools with Horsham Green Spaces and Sussex Green Living. They plan to visit four schools which are on the route of the Wildways prioritised for action in 2024.