2022

The Petersfield Tree Trail

The Petersfield Tree Trail is a guided walk around notable trees in and around the town.

The entire route of the trail is approximately 3.7km in length, whilst a section of the route that circumnavigats the Pond is approximately 1.25km.

The book remains available through local book shops and also online 

2021

Petersfield Community Tree Location Survey

Intended to identify public spaces suitable for planting trees, this survey followed on from the i-Tree Eco survey which had shown Petersfield was lacking tree cover.

Led by Dr Andy Moffat, the survey was undertaken by 34 volunteers and helped to inform the various authorities and thier current planting activity.

2018

Winners of the CPRE Community and Voluntary Award

The award recognised the importance of the i-Tree Eco survey work and the resulting Report publication.

2016

Clean for the Queen and the Inception of Clean Up for Remembrance

Although the Society has for many years been involved in litter picking, this was the start of something bigger. Participating in the ‘Clean for the Queen’ litter-pick  established our regular community litter-picks, supported by local authorities.

We now have a stock of litter-picking gear to lend to individuals and groups, both for our organised events and for those organised by others.

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2015-17

The i-Tree Eco Survey is undertaken, resulting in the publication ‘Petersfield’s trees – their importance and value.”

It was agreed that the Petersfield Society would find out more about the trees in the town, on behalf of Petersfield Town Council, East Hants District Council and South Downs National Park Authority.  Supported by Forest Research, the Society organised a ‘citizen science’ project, led by Dr Andy Moffat, to survey a representative sample of the town’s trees using trained volunteers.

2015

Petitioned to save the trees in the square

When the roots from the trees in the Square became a trip hazard, pushing up the cobbles that made up the surface, there was a move to cut them down, much to the horror of many in the community who believed there had to be a better way.

Today the trees remain part of the vibrant square, playing host to birds and adding to the street scene.

2015

A Celebration of Petersfield; A Town and its People

Petersfield Society publishes its book ‘A Celebration of Petersfield – a town and its people’ on the Society’s 70th anniversary.

This hugely successful book consists of some 150+ pages detailing much of the community that makes the town so vibrant and successful. The book captured a moment in time and was a huge piece of work involving numerous volunteers.

2013-2017

Conservation Area character appraisal and management Plan

The Society is Commissioned along with the Conservation Studio by South Downs National Park Authority to review Conservation Area. Character Appraisal and Management Plan adopted by Authority in April 2017 and now used to guide new development in Conservation Area.

2012-16

Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan.

Petersfield Society was fully involved in preparation of Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan over this period, which was approved by the community by referendum in November 2015.

At the time of the referendum the Society felt there was insufficient promotion and understanding of the significance of the plan so took out advertising in the local press to gain support from the community and to ensure sufficient people voted to get a true representation.

The Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan was adopted by the Planning Authority in January 2016

2010

Petersfield Town Design Statement published.

The ‘Petersfield Town Design Statement’ was the result of a wide collaboration between Petersfield Society and other organisations and individuals. Following publication it was formally adopted by East Hampshire District Council.

2008-11

South Downs National Park.

Submition of Proof of evidence to South Downs National Park Public Inquiry for Petersfield to be included in the Park. South DOwns National Park was established in 2011 with an opening ceremony performed in Petersfield Square.

2008

Blue Plaque project.

Blue Plaque project was undertaken with Petersfeild Museum and Petersfield Historical Society to install commemorative plaques highlighting important buildings, people or events in the town.

2007

Installation of the Remembrance Clock.

In 2007 Petersfield Society was involved in a campaign to install the Remembrance Clock situated at the bottomo of the High Street opposite the War Memorial. Members were also actively involved in the installation.

1990s

Bulb planting on Tor Way.

The Society are instrumental in planting hundreds of bulbs on the verges of Tor Way to provide a splash of colour each spring.

1980s

“Petersfield: The Future” is published.

A review which includes the words ‘Our town is at a critical point having moved beyond being merely a self-contained market town serving an agricultural area into a more urban stage’.

Presidents Owl Award is first given.

Designed and made by George Taylor of The Edward Barnsley Workshop, the Owl is awarded annually for significant contributions to the character of Petersfield and/or surrounding villages.

1970s

Petersfields central Conservation Area is formally designated.

Includes the Square, High Street, Sheep Street, Spain, and parts of Dragon Street and Sussex Road. Preservation of trees identified as a major issue. Initiate street scene photographic survey.

Petersfield Society argues for the new Herne Farm development to be phased.

1960s

Petersfield Society supports the County Council in the purchase of 185 acres of Ashford Hangers.

1960s

Major redevelopments in Petersfield and Sheet threaten historic character of town and highlight weakness of Listed Building status.

1950’s

Campaign for original features of East Meon bridges to be retained during rebuilding.

Successful agreement with HCC – local flint, brick dressings but with wider arches

1950s

Campaign for the removal of overhead power cables in the Spain receives a Civic Trust Award in 1959.

Having successfully campaigned to have this historic area of Petersfield returned to a visibly wire-free area in 1959, in 2022 the rush to roll out faster broadband sees telecoms companies abusing their powers and installing new poles in our community regardless of the effect on the visible amenity of the street scene.

1949

Official Guide for Petersfield published by The Petersfield Society

The original official guide to Petersfield was prepared and published by The Petersfield Society in 1949

1940’s

Regular talks for the membership of  The Petersfield Society

Talks were regularly held on topics such as the proposed South Downs National Park.

Interesting the ticket shown here identifies The Petersfield Society as incorporating The Petersfield Area Commiittee of the Hampshire Branch of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England.

21 July 1945

1st General meeting of Group for the Preservation and Improvement of Petersfield

Formally the name was adopted as The Petersfield Society, and it’s Objects were defined as:

“To increase public interest in and appreciation of natural and architectural beauty and in general to preserve and safeguard what is good in the character of Petersfield and its neighbourhood”

14 September 1944

Edward Barnsley put idea of a ‘Petersfield Society’ to the Arts and Crafts Society

A meeting held at No1 The Square with Flora Twort and others; the Photographic Society was invited to attend.

The outcome of this meeting was that a committee was formed. Mary Ward was appointed Secretary and aims and a constitution for Petersfield Society prepared.

In a subsequent letter, dated December 1944, Chairman, Edward Barnsley and Hon. Secretary, Mary Ward, wrote:

“The town of Petersfield and its neighbourhood is one of the most beautiful in the South of England. ..it is a matter of the greatest importance that its character be preserved in future development. The post-war period will bring rapid changes and difficult problems, and if these are not carefully organised and controlled there will be grave danger that irretrievable damage will be done. Realisation of this danger and of the importance of the problems has led to the formation of this Group.”