Ditchling is a delightful village nestling at the foot of the South Downs in East Sussex. It has an electorate of approximately 1,700 people. It is an example of a Saxon Strip Parish. There is an excellent network of footpaths covering some 33miles in total which enable walkers to enjoy the countryside and in many cases savour breathtaking views. To the North of the Village is Ditchling Common Country Park which is owned and managed by East Sussex County Council and to the south there is the famous Ditchling Beacon which is the highest point on the South Downs. Ditchling Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest included in which there are three sites of Nature Conservation Importance.

There is a very strong cultural and artistic tradition in the Village. These are depicted in the local Ditchling Museum, Turner Dumbrell Workshops and local businesses. It is a lively community with some 40 local organisations which are represented on the Ditchling Village Association.

Ditchling is keen to preserve its character whilst realising that some change is inevitable. Parts of the Village are designated as Conservation Areas and the central area is further protected by an Article 4 Direction Order. There are 40 Listed Buildings in and around the Village.

The Parish is represented on East Sussex County Council and Lewes District Council; it has eleven members on the Parish Council who serve for four years. The Parish Council holds its statutory meetings monthly on the fourth Tuesday; in addition it holds Special Council Meetings on the second Tuesday monthly if required to deal with plans and urgent matters.

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Function & Duties

To be published when compiled.