Villages

Many people commute to towns and cities for their livelihood, but local farming and country trades remain strong and life still centres around the parish church, the local pub and the village shop.

Whether located on the chalk Downs and Greensand Ridge, or the rolling farmlands between, all parishes are linked by thousands of years of history and continuous occupation. Each is described below.

Community life centres around village halls, local pubs, village shops and churches.

Community spirit is strong, and the villages have a mix of active parish councils and community based voluntary groups including youth groups, over sixties clubs, arts groups, sports and social clubs and resident organisations. SBDC works in close partnership with both village based organisations and other agencies to support community initiatives and participation. At the District Council level, the villages are represented by 15 rural ward councillors, who together form the Rural Management Committee to act as a voice and advocate for the rural communities.