Community Groups
Within Greenhavens we have over 75 community groups working in some shape and form in our green spaces. These groups are passionate and enthusiastic about their green spaces, they exist to look after them, reaching out to inspire as many people that they can. They want to share the wildlife, the healthy food, the beautiful flowers, the exhilaration from walking etc. with you.
These groups are made up of hundreds of volunteers, our unsung heroes, who collectively provide thousands and thousands of hours of their free time. They do it because they care, to make friends, to keep healthy, to learn new skills – all the time falling in love with what’s so beautiful around them.
Imagine what our green spaces would look like without them? Imagine no activities going on that you could get involved in? Or even more tragically that they disappear forever, neglected and unloved.
Get involved and feel good – contact your local group below and see what a difference you can make to yourself and your green spaces.
3VA has a vital role to play and makes a positive impact in the communities we serve. We champion our local voluntary sector – the charities, social enterprises and communities making such a difference to people’s lives. These dynamic voluntary organisations of all shapes and sizes make up the members in our extensive network. Find out more by browsing our membership directory and join 3VA if you haven’t already!
Email: Lee.Shepherd@vces.org.uk
The Brighton & Hove Green Spaces Forum is an over-arching support organisation for over 80 green space volunteer groups based in the City. It facilitates communication between groups, together with access to training and other resources.
Contact: Cliff Munn
Email: bhgsforum@gmail.com
CAN Seeks to empower local people to take part in planning processes for Newhaven. They campaign for Clean Green Newhaven as promised in planning documents and strategies for the area.
Contact: Emily O’Brien
Email: communityactionnewhaven@gmail.com
This group is currently on hold.
Email: jdypepper@yahoo.co.uk
Group is temporarily on hold.
Lead contact: David Crozier, Station Manager Newhaven NCI
Part of the national charity, National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), which staffs 54 lookouts around the UK coastline with over 2500 trained volunteer watchkeepers. Assists HM Coastguard in the preservation of life at sea and along our coastline. Operates the lookout on Castle Hill 365 days a year.
Email: david.crozier@nci.org.uk
Residents group on Trafalgar/Collingwood Estate Peacehaven, who wish to make green spaces more pleasurable for the local community by setting up a Community garden on the spine path.
Contact: Lizzie Hornsbury
Email: communityconnectorsproject@gmail.com
Contact: Richard Potter
Email: richardkpotter@yahoo.co.uk
Cycling without age is to enable those who are socially isolated, or struggling with mobility, to get back out into our beautiful environment and feel the wind in their hair again. We ride specially battery assisted bikes with a double seat upfront.
Contact: Mary Hawes
Email: seafordcwa@gmail.com
The Society maintains East Blatchington Pond as an amenity for all to enjoy. Our members are volunteers and give their time freely to ensure the pond is kept in good condition, with spring bulbs and wild flowers, areas for wildlife including an island used by waterfowl, and seating around the periphery.
East Blatchington Pond is located at the junction of Avondale Road and Sutton Drove, Seaford.
Lead contact: Vaughan Reynolds
Lead contact: Sarah Latimer
Email: edibleeb@gmail.com
We are a community based organisation set up in 2011 to develop a largely off-road riverside, path, for cyclists and other non-motorised users, connecting Lewes and Newhaven with links to villages and places of interest in the beautiful landscape of the lower Ouse Valley; a safe path for all ages and abilities to be shared by a wide range of users.
Substantial sections have been constructed in phases but there are still some vital gaps to be closed which will happen when funding allows.
Contact: Neville Harrison
Email:info@egretsway.org.uk
At Harbour Primary School we promote primary school aged children in using green spaces and experience in growing plants.
Contact: Olivia Mellor
Lead contact: Graham
Email: Thyone.Outram@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
Friends of Chatsworth Park is a group set up for anyone who enjoys the park and wants to keep up with what is happening.
Contact: David Seabrook
Email: davesea@outlook.com
Contact No: 07973864340
We cover the coastal area between the highway Newhaven and the sea. Bordered by Peacehaven to the west and Castle Hill Nature Reserve to the east. We aim to conserve the natural habitat and challenge proposed land use.
Lead contact: Julia Brock
Email: juliabrock@hotmail.co.uk
Contact no: 07710856562
Working with landowners (ESCC, LDC, NTC) to ensure that the Park and Valley ponds are managed in such a way, as to provide a leisure space for the local community, whilst improving habitats and biodiversity of species on both sites.
Contact: Lesley Boniface
Email: mrsboniface@hotmail.co.uk
Our aim is to protect the public green spaces in and around Saltdean from development, and to work with the local authorities, to make them diverse and useable.
Email: saltdeanra@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Friends-Of-Saltdean-Green-Spaces-2115129092050254/
The Old Brickfield is situated at the western edge of Seaford. It occupies a former tidal inlet and had an industrial past when clay for brick making was extracted from the site. Today it provides an interesting habitat for different species of animal, insect and vegetation and has been designated a site of nature conservation interest (SNCI). The site is owned and managed by Lewes District Council in partnership with the Friends of the Old Brickfield Group.
Our aim is to maintain and enhance the wildlife habitat on the site. We conduct wildlife surveys and maintain the Brickfield’s small pond. Each summer we hold a picnic to encourage families to visit the Brickfield and explore its abundant wildlife
Lead contact: Thyone Outram (Lewes Ranger)
Email: thyone.outram@lewes.gov.uk
Phone: 01273 484344
The South Downs National Park has it all – from rolling hills, glorious heathland, river valleys and ancient woodland to the iconic white cliffs of the Heritage Coast – an area of inspirational beauty that can lift the soul.
Covering over 1600 km² of breath-taking views and hidden gems, you will discover stunning, panoramic scenery stretching to the sea and across the weald as you travel the 100 mile length of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne, culminating in the impressive chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters. The park has been shaped by the activities of its farmers and foresters, its large estates and communities, its charities and local businesses and includes internationally important wildlife, cultural heritage and lively market towns and villages.
The ‘Friends of the South Downs’ are the membership charity, to campaign, protect and conserve the landscape of the park, so that it can be enjoyed by everyone, for future generations.
We organise over 200 interesting and varied walks each year throughout the beautiful South Downs, together with a range of educational coach trips and activities to promote our cultural heritage.
Our volunteers and members support a huge array of projects, (such as replacing stiles with swing gates and repairing the South Downs Way) to help improve access enjoyment of the landscape and to preserve the South Downs for future generations.
Joining the society costs less than 50p a week and is a simple way to do something practical to help protect the South Downs landscape. As a member you will receive:
• A comprehensive walks and strolls programme
• Opportunities to enjoy special member talks and activities
• Volunteering opportunities
• Our members’ quarterly newsletter, The Downsman
• Monthly e-newsletters
• Access to the Members Area of the Society website
• Discounts from local retailers
Email: lgill.linturn@southdownssociety.org.uk
More info on our website:
Help conserve this special open space
This precious and somewhat mysterious place, situated between Newhaven and Seaford on the East Sussex Coast, needs ongoing care and attention – why not join the Friends and give a couple of hours a month by helping us keep the place cared for – you will be made very welcome!
Who are the friends of Tidemills?
The Friends of Tide Mills is a small, informal group of mainly local people interested in maintaining and preserving the unique atmosphere of this area for the benefit of all. The group was started April 2005 and has now become the focus for anybody who feels the area is threatened in any way – we have an excellent working partnership with Newhaven Port Properties, the land owners, and, latterly, the South Downs National Park Authority, as much of the area is now within the boundary of this latest UK National Park.
Our prime objective is the collection of (mainly) seaborne rubbish (nearly 2000 bags to date) but we have also taken an active role in clearing vegetation such as Japanese Knotweed and assisting other groups with the recording and conservation of the plants and animals inhabiting this special habitat known as “Vegetated Shingle”.
Our other main objective, now achieved we feel, is to put Tide Mills firmly “on the map” so that as many people as possible know about it and appreciate it as we obviously do.
We meet once a month, on a Sunday morning (always the 3rd Sunday of the month) between 10am and noon. We have litter grabbers and bags generously provided by Newhaven Port Properties. We just need you to work them! When we started in 2005 and in the early years of our activities around 6-10 of us would collect up to 25-30 bags of plastic and other rubbish. In recent years between 15-20 of us collect 10-20 bags, so we do feel we are now making Tide Mills much cleaner than ever before, but obviously the more of us there are the more of a difference we can truly make. That this litter peaks in or after stormy weather is sadly indicative that most of it is generated by those who rely on the sea for a living and the contempt they treat it with – fish net cuttings, discarded marine grease, oil containers etc.
In September each year we participate in the Marine Conservation Society’s National Beach Watch initiative. However it isn’t all about rubbish collection as we are regularly consulted over other matters that crop up from time to time – for instance; Newhaven Port expansion plans, incidents of pollution, nesting bird sightings etc. We also enjoy two picnics a year – after our August and December meetings.
No physical exertion just gentle, worthwhile exercise, in the, still free, sea air, you can work alone or with others. We generally work for 2 hours but any time that can be spared is equally appreciated – come for as long as you want, when you want, you will be made most welcome.
Email: brianjimskinner@gmail.com
https://tidemills.webs.com/
Open for local involvement, volunteer days every 1st Sunday of every month.
Contact: Leanne Hazell
Email: rkbass@hotmail.co.uk
Providing support, resources and partnership working opportunities to community organisation and residents of the area known as the ‘Havens’ and surrounding towns and villages of East Sussex.
Contact: Paula Woolven
Email: havenscommunityhub@gmail.com
Seaford based web design and development company.
Contact: Claire Wilkinson
Email: clare@hothorse.co.uk
Contact no 07932746328
A walled garden with a pond, potting shed, polytunnel and a range of fruit trees, vegetable beds and flower borders. Drop in for all ages on Mondays from 12 noon till dusk. Forest School for grown ups every Wednesday 11.00am till 3pm.
Nursery Forest School sessions and an after school club for 7-11-year-olds for local children run in term time.
Community groups may use our space at other times.
Main contact: Marina Pepper
Call or text Marina: 07597272508
Email: marinapepper@gmail.com
LCA is a community growing project. Members share tasks and produce. We welcome the involvement of groups for vulnerable adults in the allotment, although we can’t provide any staff support. LCA was set up by Common Cause: a social enterprise and not-for-profit company based in Lewes, which also runs Lewes Farmers’ Market, Ringmer Community Orchard and Seedy Saturday. We believe in a sustainable Sussex, primarily thorough supporting the local food economy.
See www.commoncause.org.uk for more info. Contact Lesley to arrange a visit if you’re interested in getting involved.
Location: Grid Reference: TQ 40025 11083 On the footpath to Lewes Old Racecourse, Lewes
Lead contact: Lesley Healey
Email: Lesleyhealey267@gmail.com
Mobile: 07765 077590
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lewes-Community-Allotment
Common Cause website: http://www.commoncause.org.uk/
Project in early development stage…
Email: pip.bur@gmail.com
Contact:
Email: eleanor.togut@livingstreets.org.uk
Project in early development stage
Email: juliekbee@outlook.com
The National federation of Parks and Green Spaces is the umbrella organisation that aims to amplify the voices of Friends Groups across the UK.
Contact: Michelle Furtado (rep South East)
Email: networks@natfedparks.org.uk
Contact no: 07379 123480
Email: companysecnssc@nssc.org.uk
http://www.nssc.org.uk/cms/
Newhaven Town Council owns some green spaces in Newhaven – Denton Recreation Ground, Valley Ponds, War Memorial Green, Bay Vue Amenity Area, Newhaven Cemetery; manages Lewes Road Recreation Ground and the Rose Walk Amenity Path; and is in the process of having many other Newhaven green spaces devolved to it from LDC. We support voluntary groups such as the Friends of Castle Hill, Friends of Riverside Park and Newhaven’s Tree Wardens.
Contact: Jacky Main
Email: admin@newhaventowncouncil.gov.uk
Contact no: 01273 516100
Affiliated to Newhaven Town Council. We are volunteers with the aim to plant trees, wild flowers etc to enhance the town, create wildlife corridors and increase and support biodiversity. We also wish to support other groups associated with trees.
Contact: Tree Warden volunteers
Email:BN9trees@hotmail.com
Contact: Cathy Gallagher
Email: cathygallagher.cg@gmail.com
https://www.peacehaven-and-telscombe-neighbourhood-plan-steering-group.co.uk/
Whatever your ability or experience anyone can visit the garden and learn to grow fresh fruit and veg. The garden is also a place for wildlife, an outdoor classroom, looked after by a group of local volunteers.
Contact: David Seabrook
Email: davesea@outlook.com
A community Orchard in the big Park area of Peacehaven run and managed by volunteers. This provides an opportunity for the community to learn how to plant and cultivate apple trees. It provides an outdoor classroom and a chance to learn about different types of apple trees.
Contact: Sue Griffiths
Email: sue4griff@hotmail.co.uk
Contact: Alison Standing
Email: alisonstanding@sky.com
It is a 2k event for Juniors only (4-14) Which is held every Saturday at 9am. The event takes place at The Centenary Park Peacehaven Piddinghoe Avenue.
Contact: Dawn Paul
Email: dawn.paul99@btopenworld.com
Contact no: 07966842232
The Peacehaven Plodders and The Haven walkers are a friendly, sociable group who do weekly walks in and around Peacehaven, Seaford, and Newhaven.
Contact: Dawn Paul
Email: dawn.paul99@btopenworld.com
Contact no: 07966842232
Local Government Organisation. Council run buildings for hire, for parties, meetings and conferences. Centenary Park offers a wide greenspace for various activities.
Email: townmanager@peacehaventowncouncil.gov.uk
or
We are an environmental campaign helping to protect the shoreline from Seaford to Newhaven.
A group for the community of Seaford, to motivate and educate everyone, on how to combat the disposable plastics epidemic hitting the shores and world.
Contact: Claire Sumners
Email: plasticfreeseaford@gmail.com
Contact no 07734617296
We are committed to supporting Britain’s nine million walkers, and to protecting and expanding access to the places people walk, whether that’s along our treasured public rights of way network, in our towns and cities or on access land like our mountains, moors and heath.
Contact: Peter Seed
Email: peterseed@hotmail.com
Contact Peter regarding unresolved path problems in these 3 towns. For details of Ramblers walking groups in Sussex and other activities please go to:
Refill Seaford and Newhaven is a member of the National Refill Scheme set up by CIty to Sea.
We aim to change people’s hearts and minds about buying water in plastic bottles. We want to rid the environment of the single use plastic bottle litter menace and encourage those who drink water on the go to get a refillable bottle. We encourage businesses to join the Refill scheme so that anyone can use the Refill App to find out where they can Refill for free. We also encourage anyone who wants to set up a water point or fountain in the environment and can offer national guidance for parks etc. Find our Facebook group and page: Refill Seaford and Newhaven. Follow us on twitter and instagram @refillsn
Lead contact: Christine Brett
Email: refillseafordandnewhaven@gmail.com
Established in 1934 we are concerned with the health and well-being of all ages in Saltdean. Situated between the Sea, the Chalk Cliffs and the SDNP we are aware of being part of the Living Coast Biosphere. With a growing population conserving the flora and fauna and guarding against pollution is a continuing mission.
Email: saltdeanra@gmail.com
Situated in the Crouch Gardens, the Seaford Community Garden opens every Wednesday throughout the year from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and during July to September on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Volunteers of any age with or without gardening experience are welcome. Flowers, plants and vegetables grown in the garden are available for purchase.
Lead contact: Allison Chambers
Email: seafordcommunitygarden@gmail.com
The objective of The Society is to promote the appreciation, enjoyment and study of natural history generally, by means of a programme of indoor and outdoor meetings.
We have a particular interest in Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve, where we are undertaking frequent recording of butterflies, reptiles and common birds as well as annual counts of Moon Carrots, Green-winged Orchids and Bee Flies. We also maintain a species list for the whole reserve. Members of the Society are active in conservation work on the reserve, working in partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust.
We have a programme of wildlife-related walks in the summer and talks in the winter.
Lead contact: Jim Howell (Chairman)
Email: enquiries@seafordnaturalhistory.org.uk
Seaford Tree Wardens work with local residents to plant and care for trees in Seaford. We’re volunteers supported by Seaford Town Council and the Tree Council. We’re always keen to hear from people who’d like to plant trees in their street, join us on our regular care sessions or help in other ways such as with administration or marketing.
If you’d like to know more, are interested in planting trees in your street or volunteering with our friendly ‘TLC’ sessions, please get in touch.
Contact: Margery Diamand
Email: seafordtreewardens@outlook.com
We are a local support group for people with Fibromyalgia ME/CFS. We meet regularly in Peacehaven phone Val on 07747 305666 for further details.
This is an intergenerational project which residents from Trafalgar and Collingwood Close will transform from a woodland area, running along the spine path which links the two estates together, to form a community garden for residents and non-residents.
We wish to encourage biodiversity with our planting, have a mud kitchen for the children to enjoy and grow fruit bushes and vegetables.
Lead Contact: Lizzie Hornsbury
Email: communityconnectorsproject@gmail.com
Highlighting the importance of access to green and open spaces across the area. Especially by people who feel they have no right of access and whose health and well-being would benefit.
Links to local nature partnerships and it’s health and well-being sub committee. Memebership of biosphere. Capacity to support group information and small fundraising advice.
Lead contact: Penny Shimmin
Email: healthylifestyles@sussexcommunity.org.uk
Contact no:01273 517250
Sussex Community Rail Partnership is a non-profit organisation which aims to connect communities with their railways and local stations. We are keen to assist groups in making use of disused green spaces at and around stations. We can also offer assistance in fundraising and setting up community groups, liaising with station managers and Network Rail. Please contact Catherine Simmons if you have any further enquiries regarding community use of your local station.
Lead contact: Catherine Simmons
Sussex Community Rail Partnership, Lewes Station, Station Road, Lewes. East Sussex BN7 2UP
Email: catherine@sussexcrp.org
The Telscombe Residents Association shall aim to present and promote the views of its Members and residents. We also aim to be independent and self-funding. To monitor the work of the Telscombe Town Council and make representations to the Council on matters which the T.R.A. may consider to be of concern or benefit to the welfare of the residents. Membership is free to all residents aged 18 and over of Telscombe Town, Telscombe Village and East Saltdean.
Lead contact: Mrs Christine Bowman
Email: christinebowman3213@btinternet.com
https://www.escis.org.uk/government-and-local-services/telscombe-residents-association-tra/
The Sussex Gleaning Network (Feedback Global) mobilises volunteers onto farms to harvest perfectly edible crops that are surplus or unsellable. We donate this fruit and veg to partner charities who distribute it to feed people in need. Volunteers can expect an active, enjoyable and purposeful day out on a working farm. Gleans occur unpredictably but frequently (about once a week during harvest season) and are usually 10am-4pm. Join our mailing list to hear when gleans are scheduled: https://actionnetwork.org/
Lead contact: Phil Holtam
Email: phil@feedbackglobal.org
We are a community group of volunteers who want to see Lewes filled with wildflowers and buzzing with butterflies and bees! We want to create more wild spaces in Lewes, and more opportunities for people to connect with the nature on their doorstep. We work with the Town, District and County Councils to help manage and monitor wildflower sites throughout the town. We are supported by the Town & District Councils, East Sussex Highways, Railway Land Wildlife Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and more.
Chair: Joanna Carter. Secretary: Lesley Healey. Treasurer: Imogen Makepeace. Monitoring lead: Mary Benjamin
Email: lesleyhealey267@gmail.com
More info on our website:
https://wildflowersinlewes.wordpress.com/
Find us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/wildflowerlewes/
YHA South Downs unused vacant land adjacent to main site. Objectives are to reinstate five ponds in the area along with woodland and a large section of gently sloping wildflower meadows. We would also like to define and improve an activity area used by residential and non-residential groups for educational purposes and maintain Bee hives with the assistance of the Brighton and Lewes Bee Keepers Association.
Contact: James Wilkinson
Email: southdownsmanager@yha.org.uk