AMBERLEY SOCIETY CAMPAIGNS
The Society has represented the community’s interests in a number of campaigns to maintain the character and sustainability of the local environment. The most significant campaign was to save the Amberley Wildbrooks from a proposal to institute a drainage scheme that would have significantly affected the wetlands. This proposal was originally put forward in 1977 and led to the Society formation.
AMBERLEY WILDBROOKS
In response to Southern Water's intention to unsitute a drainage scheme on Amberley Wildbrooks in 1977, local residents formed the Amberley Society to save this special environment as wetlands. The Society worked alongside a team of nature conservation organisations to identify the endangered plants, invertebrates and birds in this unique habitat. Funding for the pump drainage scheme was refused as a result of the campaign, and this landmark decision also halted other wetlands drainage plans throughout the UK.
THE GURKHA BRIDGE
The original bridge had been damaged when an old oak tree fell on to it. The 70 Gurkha Field Support Squadron of 36 Regiment stepped in after consultation with West Sussex County Council and the Amberley Society.
SAVING THE VILLAGE PUB
FOOTPATH RAILWAY CROSSING SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Amberley Society enlisted intervention of the Office of Rail and Road for improvements to achieve a safer surface to the Amberley footpath railway crossing. Following a 20 month campaign by the Society, Network Rail carried out these improvements in June 2022.
AMBERLEY VILLAGE CAMPAIGNS
SAVING THE VILLAGE PUB - The Sportsman
SAVING THE VILLAGE SCHOOL
The community fought to save the Amberley Primary School when it was threatened with closure
SAVING THE VILLAGE SHOP
The community fought to save the Amberley Village Shop which is now a successful part of the fabric of the village
SAVING THE VILLAGE PUB - The Black Horse
The Society supported the Black Horse Action Group which successfully contested an application for housing development on the site of the Black Horse. The pub was registered as an Asset of Community Value in 2016 and under new ownership and redevelopment, the pub is now a thriving pub and restaurant.
THE CHURCH TOWER
The ACTNOW group within the community raised money to carry out essential repairs to the church tower and other parts of St Michaels church. This fund raising included a number of contributions from trusts, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund.