History

In medieval times the area now known as Buchan Country Park was heavily used for wood extraction and grazing for sheep. As a result, the original woods became heathland.

In 1823, William Cobbett set out from Worth to ride to Horsham. His route took him through what is now Buchan Country Park.

At that time the land belonged to Lord Erskine, who had named the area Buchan Hill after his father, the Earl of Buchan. In his book, 'Rural Rides', Cobbett recalls his journey through the estate of Lord Erskine as being bare heath...

..."in part, planted with fir trees, which are as ugly as the heath was; and, in short, it is a most villainous tract."

Cobbett clearly saw heathland as a wasteland. However, today heathland is seen as a very important but declining (disappearing) habitat, and conservation organisations put much effort into restoring it. Since 1992, 13 hectares of heath have been restored at Buchan Country Park.

In Victorian times, the park was owned by a wealthy businessman called Mr Saillard, who built what is now Cottesmore school on the site. The Saillard family was responsible for establishing both Island and Douster ponds.

West Sussex County Council purchased the park in 1969, and Buchan Country Park was officially opened in 1982.

The park is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and is of national importance for its dragonfly populations. In 1985 the lakes and surrounds were designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Both books mentioned above, 'Rural Rides' and 'Come into the Sunlight', are available from the Library Service.

The management prescriptions for Buchan Country Park are set out in two management plans. The first is a general plan covering all aspects of the parks management and is approved by Natural England. The second is specific to Woodland management, and is approved by both Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

For information on either plan, or to request a copy, please email countryside@westsussex.gov.uk.