Tranquillity in the South East

South East Tranquillity Map

In 2006 CPRE commissioned a revolutionary new way of measuring and mapping a key factor that the countryside gives us all - tranquillity. The map shows how the local surroundings impact upon a visitor's experience of the countryside. A wide range of factors have been used to calculate the relative tranquillity of each unit of countryside (500m2 grids). The spectrum of colours ranges from deep red within towns and cities and along major roads, shading through orange and yellow to a rich green in the most unspoilt areas of deep countryside with big views and little man-made noise.

In West Sussex the impact of arterial routes, such as the A22, A272 and Gatwick flight paths are clear dissecting the countryside with streaks of red. The most tranquil areas are restricted to the South Downs and High Weald AONB. The impact of the major towns (Horsham, Crawley, Haywards Heath and Chichester ) and coastal conurbations (Bognor, Littlehampton and Worthing ) are striking, with low tranquillity scores across the urban fringe into the adjoining countryside.  These areas are of great concern providing an essential green lung for their residents to escape into the countryside for peace and tranquillity.

The A23 is less clearly marked, simply because it falls in an area of poor tranquillity scores (coloured yellow and red) resulting from the impact of the Mid Sussex towns of Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and the Gatwick flight paths.  This clearly shows that the tranquillity of Mid Sussex is the most threatened in West Sussex .

> Find out more about our National Campaign