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Home (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

	Stanmer Park contains one of the only closed villages in the UK. The original 1300 year old Estate of 5000 acres on the northern edge of the City of Brighton & Hove is owned and managed by its Council, Read about its unique history in Park History It was purchased by The Brighton Corporation in 1947 under powers provided by Section 280 of the Brighton Corporation Act 1931. Subsequently, some 205 acres of parkland and Great Wood were appropriated for use as ‘public walks and pleasure grounds’. (See Item 330, Council, October 1953) This changed what had previously been a private estate, with very limited access, to an area that was freely available to all. The expression ‘public walks and pleasure grounds’ originates from the Public Health Act 1875. Lands held in this manner are now considered to be ‘trust land’ or ‘land held by an authority in trust for its townspeople’ and are therefore deemed to be inviolate.

	The Friends of Stanmer Park was formed as an Open Spaces Community Group in April 2004 to represent the views, wishes and aspirations of regular park users, mainly due to a decline in the standard of management, security and maintenance resulting from years of under-investment by successive Council's'. The Management Committee comprises nine members with extensive skills and experience in environmental academia, land, parks, estate, business and recreational management and consultancy. Most importantly, all are residents of the area and many have known the park since childhood.

	In 1998, the City Council conducted a survey of users to create a Vision for Stanmer. By 2000 it obtained a match funded DEFRA grant of £25,000 to commission a survey of the Park with a London based Landscape Management consultant, Colson-Stone leading the research. It produced the Stanmer Park Historic Landscape Survey & Restoration Management Plan, completed in October 2003, recommended a substantial renovation to the 18th century design of the Park. This in order to enhance from its current Garden with Special Historic Interest listing with English Heritage at Grade 2 which could give access to national government funding.

	In 2004, Council, taking up one of the Colson-Stone report's recommendations to improve traffic management wanted to bring about one large pay car-park near the entrance to the Park. The Park's user's community on the other hand, had enjoyed since the 1950's a very democratic, free access driven relationship with the Park, having used several small, free, car parks along the access road. It was clear the two aspirations needed to be reconciled, and the FoSP was formed as the outcome of a protest Public Meeting in the Park's tearooms, called by resident villager Jamie Hooper, who was our First Chairman. The Colson Stone report also called clearly for a single Management body based in the Park and for the creation of a Friends organization to empower the regeneration of the Park.

	Since its inception the FoSP have Grown to a steady average of 60 members Carried out its own traffic management survey and lobbying to finally dissuade the Council from creating a centralized entrance car park Researched, wrote & published a 70 pages Plea for Stanmer Park, an alternative view of how the park could be regenerated from the Council's, whilst still allowing the public the access they have traditionally had. (2004) Promoted links between the 15 disparate organizations and groups who are stakeholders in the management of the Park, Engaged councillors and MP's in thinking about the community's wishes Persuaded B&HCC not to proceed with closing all existing car parks in the Park, and replacing with one large car park at entrance, with road access banned to visitors beyond there. (2004-2006) Took part in a working party with B&HCC on how the existing car parks and parkland could be best preserved. (2006-2007).(We strongly feel that the Council have not allowed for sufficient car parking in their work undertaken last year). Persuaded B&HCC not to proceed with charging for car parking (2008) Campaigned successfully for B&HCC to set up the Stanmer Stakeholders Forum to allow a regular facility for different groups to speak to the Council and receive reports and presentations about Council proposals. (2006-2007) Has been awarded a grant by B&HCC to produce literature for visitors and to upgrade our website. (2009) Published a regular seasonal newsletter Hosted talks by major stakeholders at its AGM's.



	Find out more information on what we do, our purpose, our mission statement and constitution or how to get involved, read our Membership Matters. FoSP was especially instrumental in persuading the Council officers to include prehistoric and pre 18th century aspects of the Park in their management vision such as the Neolithic holy site of Rocky Clump known as an Ancient Burial Ground. In 2005, David West, terminated his tenancy, half way through its 99 years. The Council then created a Conservation Trust to take over all 8 properties in the village coming with Home Farm, including the 15 rooms Home Farm House. It also increased the Open Access park to include the farm's main field system. For walks and their main attractions see our Links page FoSP has been introducing 21st century developments in the Park to the FoSP's membership, such as the Agenda 21 driven Stanmer Organics with its world renowned Earthship created by the Low Carbon Network, and the 1970's Care Co-ops horticulure centre for mental health.