Cissbury Ring is a site of national importance for archaeology, nature conservation and landscape.   However the site is at risk from scrub encroachment that is damaging archaeological remains, adversely affecting this important cultural landscape and the natural beauty of the area.   The spread of scrub has been caused by inadequate grazing.   Our problem has always been water.  

When we reintroduced grazing back in the late 1970s the stock came from Charles Granshaw's farm and were watered in his adjoining fields.Changes in farming have resulted in Charles reducing his grazing flock and withdrawing to the fields closer to his farm buildings.   We have managed to continue grazing with brought in stock but this has been limited by our ability to provide water.  

At the moment we transport water by tractor and bowser from our base in Washington but this is not a sustainable activity by any criteria.

We commissioned a specialist water engineer and he has come up with three viable proposals, they all provide water to an underground reservoir that we would have to build on the summit of Tenants Hill to the south east of the Ring on Worthing Borough Council land.   The options involve:

1.  Building a pumping station in Charmandean Lane connected to the mains supply, laying on a three phase electricity supply and the installation of pipework to the reservoir.

2. Building a pumping station in Storrington Rise Car Park, connected to the mains supply, laying on a three phase electricity supply and the installation of pipework to the reservoir.

3.  Sinking a borehole within the scrub on the ridge above Canada Bottom, erecting a 9 metre mast of 73 m.m. diameter (scaffold pole).  The mast would be topped by a wind turbine with 1.5 metre blades similar to those used on boats and caravans.  This power supply would be backed up by two panels of photo-voltaic cells mounted at ground level.  The energy produced would power pumps housed within the borehole and the water would be piped to the reservoir.

We favour the borehole proposal: this has the support of English Heritage, English Nature and the South Downs Joint Committee.  

We are about to submit a planning application and I was very glad of the opportunity to present our proposals to Findon Parish Council on 21st arch.  

The mast and its enclosure will be screened by the existing scrub, backed up by further planting around the fence and the area is not visible from any right of way or access land.

We erected a dummy mast on site, topped with coloured balloons and are satisfied that the mast would  not significantly intrude into the landscape.

The planned works lie outside of Findon Parish but we were anxious to inform the Parish Council of our intentions because of the importance of Cissbury ring to the village.   The Parish Council recognised that the proposal provides a sustainable, affordable solution to the problems of management of the site and indicated their support.  There is an urgent need for the scheme which has minimal impact on the landscape.   We therefore believe the proposals are consistent with planning policy and that there are no realistic alternatives.

The project will provide significant benefits not only to the site itself and surround area but will also eliminate the need to cart water to the site thereby reducing tractor journeys on the local road network.  In addition the scheme would avoid the use of precious treated drinking water for farm stock and remove reliance on fossil fuels, further enhancing its sustainability.

Glynn Jones, Property Manager for the West Sussex Countryside Estates.

The rams of the Cissbury Estate look on in amazement.