FoBH celebrates retiring Chair.

Peter Cook retires after chairing the FoBH for an incredible 25 years.

Peter Cook stepped back as chair at the recent AGM, and the occasion was marked with a celebration of his efforts.

Fellow founding member Jenny Faldon said:
“Peter took on the post of chair, rather reluctantly, in 1999, and grew the FoBH over 25 years. From being a small local group, the Friends are now a point of contact for residents’ concerns which Peter deals with courteously, whether it be to field complaints or to accept thanks for an issue resolved.

Peter chairs committee meetings collaboratively, allowing all contributions to be expressed and drawing the threads together in an agreed statement of intent. Under his stewardship, committee membership has become more diverse in both age and gender.

Over the years, Peter has been recognised by local and county councils in his leadership of FoBH as a constructive and forward-looking organisation. Links with local councillors, schools, and residents speak much for his calm and focused manner. We are fortunate in having David Pearce to fill those big shoes and to build on Peter’s legacy, and glad that Peter will remain as a committee member.”

Thank you Peter, for your and generous efforts over the years. We look forward to your “heckling from the back-benches”.

Childrens’ Play Area on the Heath re-opened

Over £100,000 donated to renovate what was a tired looking play area

On the 3rd February 2024 the renovated play area was opened by local MP, Daisy Cooper. On the right is David Pearce, who along with an enthusiastic group of parents faced a formidable task of collecting over £100,000 to fund the installation of new play equipment, some which is shown in the background.

The event was attended by a large group of adults and children shown above. Enthusiastic children seemed desperate to get in to the area after the opening. Read more about the event on the Lets Play on Bernards Heath website. Very well done everyone involved.

The new swings in the play area are now finished and mark the completion of the project.
Photo: DP


A Mystery in the Woods

We had an intriguing find on the Heath after our last Action Day. Ivy was cut back from some trees and in one location, near the top end of Heath Farm Lane, it was found to have been concealing, instead of wood, a steel post set in the ground. Not ordinary angle-iron or
‘ T ‘- section, but a piece of rail line and more specifically, tram line (photos 1 and ‘Read More’ below 2 and 3).

Continue reading “A Mystery in the Woods”

Work starts to refurbish the playground on the Heath

“It is happening at last! The playground is closed for work to begin on its refurbishment.

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The target of £100,000 is now just a whisker away, a fantastic effort by the whole community!

With the refurbishment underway, the new playground will be ready in January, well before the Spring deadline. 

Let’s Play at Bernards Heath would like to thank all those who have donated to help make this dream a reality.”

Photos and text: DP


What a Bind

Invasive bindweed on the Heath


You’ve probably noticed that a plant with attractive trumpet shaped white flowers (see photo left) inhabits many parts of the Heath. It appears between spring and autumn and is called hedge bindweed, or just bindweed and it has a habit of choking other plants by winding around their branches. There is also a smaller form, commonly called convolvulus with white or pink flowers.

Bindweed on the Lower field

These plants can become a menace because they have long root systems not easily removed. They can be controlled by commercial weedkillers containing glyphosate . Bindweed is now well entrenched on many parts of the Heath.

If you have a garden, it is advisable to treat affected areas as soon as possible. Japanese knotweed can also take over areas of ground and we have successfully treated an outbreak.