Greenhavens Network Community Groups
Greenhavens Network represents over 100 community groups and organisations working in and around green spaces in Peacehaven, Newhaven and Seaford in East Sussex.
Greenhavens Network member groups are passionate and enthusiastic about their green spaces and want to share that passion with their local communities. They are made up of hundreds of volunteers who provide thousands of hours of their free time because they care and want to make friends, keep healthy and learn new skills in the great outdoors.
If you want to be involved, Greenhavens Network community groups are waiting to hear from you. Contact them today to see the difference they can make to you and your local 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@3va.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
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
Website: https://www.creativity4wellbeing.com
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: Jenny Campbell
Email: jennyacampbell593@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
Website: https://www.egretsway.org.uk
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 Amy
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CastleHillLNR/
Email: seahavenpr@aol.com
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/
Contact Karen: friendsofsuttondowns@gmail.com
Friends of Sutton Downs aims to provide a means for local people to become involved in this neighbourhood green space, and to secure a future for this special place as a nature-friendly resource for the whole community. A vibrant place for playing sports, walking, meeting up and simply taking a breath of fresh air in a green open space, the recreation grounds at the Downs have supported the wellbeing of people in Seaford for over half a century.
The Memorial Garden
Behind a sweep of flint wall at Sutton Corner and hugged by blossom trees is one of Seaford’s well-kept secrets. This little-known spot is frequented by young and older members of the community, including the Over 60 Choir who sing in the summer there, the weekly meetings of the Pétanque Club and groups who meet in its tranquil seclusion and colour. As the last remnants of public greenspace in the neighbourhood of Sutton, and an important outdoors amenity for the town, the Downs recreation grounds have the potential to bring people and nature together within our living environment a truly dynamic and harmonious way.
The Growing Project
Friends of Sutton Downs are working together with Lewes District Council and local groups to develop a ‘Growing Project’ as a response to the climate emergency and decline of biodiversity and natural habitats. The playing fields and car park are flanked by substantial verges and grassed areas that can be naturalised with downland grasses and wildflowers for birds and pollinating insects. There is scope for planting hedgerows and trees around the perimeter and in a community orchard, and a vegetable growing area while retaining and enhancing the walks around the grounds that are much loved by locals. We would love to hear from gardeners and novices alike, and anyone who is waiting for a plot to come up on the allotments who may like to get involved with growing food by and for the local community.
- Naturalising the grass verges
- Promote habitats to support pollinating insects
- Plant hedgerows, trees and grow food
- Get together with local people
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: gill.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/
Green Tides is the partnership across Adur and Worthing for Friends of parks and green space volunteer groups. We work together to share knowledge and resources, promote the amazing work of our members and collaborate with partners. If you want to start your own green space group and improve a patch of land or find out who your local Friends group is, we can help.
Email: AdurWorthingGSP@gmail.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
KP Projects set up the amazing TLC Undersea Experience Education Programme providing a virtual opportunity to see our seas without getting our feet wet.
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.
Laughton Greenwood is an inclusive, vibrant community of members and volunteers restoring a beautiful, ancient woodland in the heart of East Sussex.
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/
The Climate Action Forum is co-ordinated by 3VA and the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC. It was launched in October 2020 with support from Lewes District Council as part of the Council’s response to the climate emergency.
The forum aims to support the creation of shared ideas for climate action, enable community involvement in climate action, develop an ongoing group of interested stakeholders and maximise opportunities for feedback to Lewes District Council on their Climate Change and Sustainability Framework. We want to provide an opportunity to give voice to, support and develop projects and solutions that lie within our local communities.
Being surrounded by plants, helping them to grow, spending time outdoors in nature is good for many aspects of health including low mood, joints and muscles, and weight management. The ethos of the project is very much one of inclusivity and enabling everyone to make a contribution. Beginners and experienced gardeners are both equally welcome. Session leaders are on hand to allocate tasks and give guidance as required. Some of our group are fully mobile, some have occasional or long term mobility restrictions so focus on the standing or seated, rather than kneeling, activities.
Website: www.commoncause.org.uk/lewes-house-garden
Email: pip.bur@gmail.com
Men’s sheds create spaces for men to connect, converse and create. They reduce loneliness and isolation while having fun!
Movingsounds is a community of professional facilitators passionate about the power of creativity to transform lives.
As musicians, artists and film-makers we run experiential, dynamic workshops to build community and inspire change. We tackle environmental and social issues where it’s most needed and promote well-being for all.
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 Green Centre CIC was formed in late 2022, and aims to make it easy for people to live ‘greener’ lifestyles and save money at the same time. It was founded by Newhaven residents keen to reduce consumption by encouraging sharing, and to reduce waste by encouraging reuse and recycling.
We are focussed on projects which are practical & local, and our activities include running a Library of Things, monthly Repair Cafés, a Bring & Take Table, and providing information about how to reuse and recycle items which aren’t accepted in the Council’s kerbside recycling collection.
Being green doesn’t have to cost a penny!
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.
Click here to download our information PDF.
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
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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.
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
Ringmer Community Orchard, East Sussex, is a heritage fruit orchard run by members and was planted in 2005 with a range of unusual, heritage varieties of apple, pear and plum trees, including rare Sussex varieties. Katharine Finnigan is the voluntary project co-ordinator for the Orchard and Peter May is the orchard expert providing technical advice. Here is a list of the trees we have. Contact us to find out more.
Sailhaven is a Newhaven based non-profit organisation. .Our aim is to get the sea and the world of sailing accessible to everyone. We want to offer sailing tasters, basic tuition or simply create memories with your loved ones at sea free of charge.
A 29 ft 1961 mahogany built yacht was donated to us 2 years ago and brought to Newhaven. Although she still needs a lot of work, we have now passed the halfway mark in her restoration and are actively rebuilding her with the help of a very dedicated team of volunteers. Once in the water (sometime in spring 2020), we will be taking local people out using a network of skippers and crew. Look us up at www.sailhaven.org!
Main Contact: Frederic Laloux
Email: Sailhavenproject@gmail.com
Telephone: 07397381586
www.facebook.com/groups/1171819146922385
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
SSS – THE AIM IS AWARENESS AND PROTECTION!
As with so much of our wildlife, swifts are struggling to survive in our world and the aim of this FB page is to raise awareness and encourage locals to engage with the swifts and respect their wish to inhabit our town, which is only for a few months every year from May to August. So the idea is to keep watch on the birds and note, if possible, where they appear to be nesting.
One tool to use is an app called Swift Mapping, where sightings of a scream of swifts can be reported. You cannot really fail to see them when they fly at speed above our houses, catching food for themselves or to feed their young and often there is the accompanying scream which alerts us to their presence!
In case you don’t know, swifts come over from Africa every year, and nest in our homes, usually in the older houses and because of our desire to modernise/improve homes, nests have been lost and consequently, caused a decline in their population. Not just here but everywhere! This has been made worse by our prolific use of pesticides which affects the insects on which they feed. They are amazing birds, they eat, mate and sleep on the wing, so the only time they land anywhere is to build a nest, and breed. They need a clear path to the nest which is created high up in buildings in the eaves and from where they are able to drop into the air as they leave the nest. The birds will return to the same nest year after year, and so will their young, once maturity is reached. Consequently, swifts have evolved with small feet and legs and do not have the ability to perch.
If you would like to join this group and find out more how you can save our swifts, please contact Sheila via Save Seaford’s Swifts | Facebook
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
Working together to tackle the effects of climate change and the ecological emergency.
Contact : seafordenvironmentalalliance@gmail.com
Gardening In Association Growing the joy of plants and gardening in everyone.
Students at Seaford Head are very keen to learn about environmental issues and conservation. Projects have included Tree planting, setting up a school garden, plastic free week, improving recycling and beach cleaning. The Students are currently working toward achieving Green Flag status.
This picture shows the area that has been left for wildflowers outside the front of the sixth form centre. We have celandines, purple deadnettle, dwarf mallow, common sow-thistle, common salva, Buck’s-horn plantain, spotted medick, bird’s-eye speedwell to name a few.
Contact roberthandy@seafordhead.org
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
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.
Contact steve On Facebook:
Bringing people together to share practical skills with those who would love to learn.
Sharing skills, resources and promoting a circular economy.
Our projects include a Repair Cafe, community lunch, preloved school uniform exchange, skill sharing activities and community gardening.
Contact: hello@sharingskills.co.uk
www.sharingskills.co.uk
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: Paul Bromley
Sussex Community Rail Partnership, Lewes Station, Station Road, Lewes. East Sussex BN7 2UP
Email: paul@southeastcrp.org
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 Dolphin Project is a charity project of the World Cetacean Alliance committed to protecting local dolphin species through Research, Awareness and Education to deliver ecosystem-level restoration and rejuvenation.
Research – Our research is driven through a citizen science programme with a view to identifying individual dolphins/pods, and to better understand their behaviour, movement, prey species and breeding sites. This data will then be used to better protect our marine environment and ultimately safeguard Sussex marine mammals. If you see any marine mammals, please report to us via our website, social profiles or email info@sussexdolphinproject.org
Awareness – We aim to help the local Sussex community better understand the marine mammals found in this stretch of the English Channel by sharing our reported sightings, offering boat trips, engaging via local media and social media and arranging events across the Sussex coastline.
Education – we work with a range of local schools and community groups to build knowledge on marine mammals, wider marine life, habitats and the importance of maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem.
Get in touch:
Website: https://sussexdolphinproject.org/
Email: info@sussexdolphinproject.org
Telephone: 01273 355011
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sussexdolphinproject
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDP_WCA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sussex_dolphin_project/
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 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: Julie Phillips ( Chair of the group)
Email: juliep4491@gmail.com
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