 | Different Birds at Deanland |
| Morning Birds at Deanland |
| Nightingale at Deanland |
Deanland Airfield is very close to a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South Downs National Park: As such it is the intention of the Operators that the Airfield be a part of that Area, rather than an imposition upon it. Two separate, but complimentary, considerations must be acknowledged, in order to achieve that aim, namely, Physical Aspects and The Perceptions of the Local Community.
Physical Aspects.
Within its' boundaries, the Airfield contains areas of woodland, natural-hedging and coarse meadowland. Generally, the land is maintained with the minimum use of pesticides, and other intrusive control-methods, although some light spraying may be used in order to keep the hay-crop clear of weeds, which might be harmful to livestock. The Operators have planted trees, placing emphasis upon those which would occur, naturally, in the English countryside; the growth of indigenous species such as Hawthorn/Blackthorn, Oak, Ash, Beech, Elm, etc. is encouraged.
The site is a haven for many species of insect - Bees, Butterflies and Dragonflies are particularly prolific - and we enjoy a good variety of bird-life; the resident Nightingale chorus, which serenades the area up to late May, has been described as the best for miles, and we have 'our own' Barn- and Tawny-Owls, Marsh-and Hen-Harriers, Swifts Swallows and Martins from late Spring, and - a 'first' in 2000 - a pair of Buzzard has been seen over the Eastern Meadow. Of note is the fact that the hay is never cropped until ground-nesting birds have completed their fledging-cycle, and we boast an excellent population of Skylarks, as a result.
The Mammal population is made up of many varieties of Mouse, though we have not spotted the rare Dormouse, as yet: Others include Stoat, Weasel, Badger, Shrew and Field-Vole and several varieties of Bat - mostly Pipistrelle. By far the largest contingent in the Mammalian camp is that of the Rabbit; these animals cause a certain amount of damage at the Airfield, but they invade surrounding crop-growing fields to a considerable extent. They are controlled naturally, in part, by the local Fox population, but they are controlled by shooting if numbers appear to be getting too high - this only takes place when there is no significant human activity at Deanland.
The Perceptions of the Local Community.
Deanland has been an active airfield since WWII and operates under a 'Certificate of Lawful Use' (WD/93/2854/LD), it is our policy to listen to our neighbours acting upon local feedback, if at all possible.
In this context, it is recognised that individuals within any cross-section of the population may object to Light Aviation generally, and would like to see it banned - the Ripe area is no exception. In order to maintain some balance in such matters, and to be seen to be maintaining that balance, the Operators communicate with the Ripe Parish Council, ESCC and local property owners in a consistently open manner. We have made an important contribution to local issues, such as Land-Raise, and the Sussex Police / Air Ambulance Helicopter has made use of the Airfield in the pursuit of its' various tasks - another useful contribution to the Social Fabric of this part of East Sussex.
The area between Hailsham and Lewes is subject to quite a lot of aviation activity. Many people do not realise there are small airstrips at Laughton (kittyhawk), Hailsham (Westfield Farm, Boship & Horsebridge), Lewes (Swanborough) plus a very active gliding site at Ringmer. Low level military aircraft regularly use this part of Sussex. In addition to this the area is used by Shoreham based flying clubs for 'practise forced landings' and aerobatics. Deanland based aircraft are encouraged to spend as little time operating in this area as possible.
Since the 1960's Deanland has hosted regular 'Fly-Ins' and 'BBQ's' with aircraft invited for all over the UK and abroad. These events are held to raise money for charities, two of which are the WWFN and RAFA.
Summary:
All residents and visitors to Deanland must respect the environment by, for instance, removing waste from the site for appropriate disposal; wherever possible, the environment of the Airfield and the surrounding area should be enhanced.
All aviation activity to and from Deanland must be conducted in the most noise-sensitive manner possible. Compliance with all Noise Abatement Procedures is mandatory - failure by pilots to do so will result in their not being allowed to return or operate from Deanland! Full details of the procedures can be found on the 'Pilot Information' page and MUST be read, understood and complied with.
Complaints or feedback on Deanland operations should be made to david@gatwick-group.co.uk.