Welcome to the parish of Woolbeding with Redford

North of the Downs near Midhurst, this is a rural parish of 147 residents; in the south it has the sand of the Severals, the water meadows and a stretch of the River Rother, to the north is the sandstone ridge, with its rare protected heathland, and at the western end of the parish is Redford with its village green and garage. There is a large area of common land and protected farmlands, with the vast majority of the land being in the hands of the National Trust.

There is a large area of common land and protected farmlands, with the vast majority of the land being in the hands of the National Trust.

The whole parish is home to just one hundred and thirty five registered electors. In 1978, as part of the government's review of parish boundaries, the parish was threatened with fragmentation and amalgamation with its neighbours. It was thought important then that the parish should retain its unique identity and have its own voice in local government.

The parish lies entirely within the South Downs National Park and Woolbeding Common, including Stedham Marsh, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which boasts an extraordinary combination of rare habitats, so it seems essential that with the pressure of change in the 21st century that this parish should be treated with due respect.

Part of the estate, particularly the common land, is open to visitors. The increase in visitor numbers, coupled with thegrowing level of motor traffic through the parish in recent years, is posing a threat to the various rare habitats. At the same time, there has been a decrease in commercial activity, evidenced by the closure of the Post Office.

The housing stock has not increased in the past decade, but existing dwellings have been enlarged and there is a shortage of so-called starter homes. Large scale residential development in neighbouring parishes will doubtless affect the rural character of the parish.