About

In 1999 neighbouring residents formed the Friends of Old Bridge Meadow, with the encouragement of Bosham Parish Council. This group of volunteers is devoted to managing the meadow as a public recreation area and restoring it to a traditional wildflower meadowland. 

A hedge and copse areas of native species have been planted to augment fencing on the A259. In addition there are various saplings, including old Sussex varieties of apple trees, recognising the county's orchard heritage. Wild flowers (some grown from seed by local residents) have been planted to produce a variety of plants through the flowering seasons. The meadow is cut under a regime that favours flowers over the grasses. 

The Friends organise several popular summer community events with music and games. At Christmas, with the help of Southbourne Lions, a tree is installed, lit and decorated, which gives pleasure to passers-by on the main road as well as local residents. Each year there is a gathering around the tree to sing carols. The Friends also arrange social evenings, usually in the spring and autumn, with a meal and a lecture. 

Seating has been given by the Parish Council and by Southbourne Lions Club, who also helped to excavate one bank of the stream to make a safer access slope, and further work to naturalise the stream banks has been undertaken. Occasional volunteer working parties are held for necessary management tasks.