Our Projects
In addition to keeping our local footpaths clear and keeping a close watch on planning developments in the village, the Conservation Group undertakes a number of projects every year. These range from village clean-up days, putting up the Christmas tree with its lighting, maintaining the historic lights in the village and supporting our designated charity, which this year is the Uckfield Food Bank.
Bulbs and Planters
Each year bulbs have been planted along the three roads which lead to the village centre. Flower tubs have been positioned throughout the village and a flower bed was created in the car park opposite St Bartholomew's church. In the spring of 2016 three planters were purchased and installed at each of the three entrances to the village. These planters are maintained by the Group's members
Underhill Bridge
Maresfield Conservation Group waged a four-year campaign to have the railings on the picturesque stone bridge on Underhill restored in their original style.
Underhill is a picturesque country lane near the middle of Maresfield, running through a conservation area, alongside a lake and across Shortbridge Stream on a small stone bridge originally topped with curved metal railings.
The railings required maintenance and, in 2021, ESCC Highways replaced them with utilitarian concrete posts and galvanised metal rails. There was considerable local anger at the unsightly work and the Conservation Group became involved.
MCG prepared a report that the railings were unsafe; small children and pets could easily fall through the large gaps as demonstrated by a cardboard child.
MCG offered to pay for the replacement of the unsightly railings with replicas of the originals.
However, the installation of the new railings had caused cracks in the bridge headwall leading to its eventual collapse. Underhill was closed to traffic. MCG continued the campaign to reinstate safe and attractive railings if the bridge was going to be rebuilt
The campaign has paid off and finally, after over two and a half years of closure, Underhill reopened in August 2025 with a beautifully reinstated bridge, complete with heritage railings.
The Repaired Bridge August 2025
Church gate
The wrought iron gate opposite the church car park has been in place for more than 60 years, but had got into a sorry state. The MCG decided to do something about this and arranged and paid for the renovation of the gate. The refurbished gate was reinstated on 15 September 2020 (see pictures below).
The gate is of historical interest to the village. It was originally presented to St.Bartholomew’s Church in 1947 by a unit from the 163 Infantry O.C.T.U. (Artists Rifles) who were stationed in Maresfield from 1945 – 47 and again in 1964 – 65.
Clean-up Days
Everbody on the village is invited to join in with our regular village clean up days. All equipment and materials are provided for you to have a walk round with your friends and family to see how many sacks of rubbish you can collect. A satisfying few hours that produces excellent results.
The Queen's Green Canopy
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) was a unique tree-planting initiative created to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The initiative invited people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”. Everyone from individuals to youth groups, villages, cities, counties, schools, and corporates were encouraged to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees.
MCG took part project which was deemed a great success in Maresfield.
Local residents chose seventeen different varieties and eighty-one trees and shrubs were delivered. There were also some mixed hedging packs which brought the total number of plants to over 200.
The most popular choices were Rowan, Hornbeam and Dogwood. Some of you have sent us photos of your trees and it’s great to see how well they are being looked after.
Victorian lamps
The MCG sought quotes to repair and refurbish the three Victorian lamps situated at the church, the cemetery and the recreation ground. These lamps have now been fully restored, reinstalled and are lit at night.
