by Malinka van der Gaauw | Aug 18, 2023 | Nature & Conservation
The Downs are an imposing natural barrier to the south of our area, so it is no surprise that for centuries local people have preferred to travel and trade along the flat, sandy soils of the Rother, between Petersfield and Pulborough rather than up and over the steep,... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | Aug 15, 2023 | Nature & Conservation
Now, let’s be honest, if you are out walking and come across a stile, but spy either a squeezable gap alongside or an easier route through a nearby gate, how relieved do you feel? I’m guessing most of us would be glad not to have to perform a public agility test.... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | Jul 29, 2023 | Nature & Conservation
When my children were primary age, they had a unit of enquiry at school about learning styles to decipher whether they were audio, visual, reading/writing or kinesthetic learners. At the time this seemed rather sophisticated for 6-year-olds. However, the more I... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | Jun 26, 2023 | Nature & Conservation, Walk & Talk
I wouldn’t describe myself as overly competitive. Yes, I like to strategise when playing board games, but if the cards or dice are against me, I don’t get upset about losing. However, take me back to my annual school and village sports days and it is a very different... 
by lucymadd | May 30, 2023 | Nature & Conservation
Out on a walk recently with my dog Ruby around the Mardens, at the west end of the South Downs, we stumbled across a shoot. Whilst their target was pheasant, the sound of gunshot, ringing around the densely wooded hillside, clearly had an unnerving effect on the other... 
by lucymadd | Apr 3, 2023 | Nature & Conservation
Since deciding to organise the first Petersfield Walking Festival, I have increasingly found my eyes drawn to potential blots on the landscape. Naturally, I would like the town to be looking its best when visitors arrive to enjoy a walk around the Western Weald....