When we first explored the idea of a network to support the greenspaces and growing projects of the Havens almost a decade ago, we had no idea how much passion for wildlife and greenspaces existed across our communities. Back then, Brighton & Hove had a strong Parks and Green Spaces Network and Lewes was well supported too. In Newhaven, however, development pressures on our greenspaces were growing.

If you live or work in the Lower Ouse Valley, there’s a chance this year to spend some time with a local Wild Advisor – one of 30+ people sharing skills and experience in rewilding, nature restoration, growing food, wellbeing, creative nature connection, ecotourism and more.

Sunday 1st February  Hillcrest Centre, Bay Vue Road, Newhaven, BN9 9LH If you’re in need of seeds, Lesley will be at the Newhaven Green Centre Swap, Share Repair event at the Hillcrest Centre.  We’ll be swapping and taking donations to help us replenish our stocks ready for April’s events. Visit our Facebook page for more information.

Friday 30th January  10am to 12pm part of our event? Gateway Cafe, Peacehaven Big Park Join Jessie and Lesley at the Gateway Cafe in Peacehaven’s Big Park for a community catch up over a coffee and cake. Chat with others about the challenges your group is having, share your successes and top tips. This is a great way to engage with others about what you’re up to.   It’s also a good opportunity to share with us any events you might be running.  Visit our Facebook page for more information.

It’s been another busy year for the Trustees and Co-Ordinators.  Not only have we had a full programme of events, training, talks and visits to projects we’ve being carrying out our own evaluation for the OVCA project.  We’ve also had to contend with loss of our website and all of our database.  Thanks to Superlative Design for getting us back up and running with our new beautiful website which we hope in 2026 will be updated more regularly! We also now have the option of being able to send you newsletters like this one.  Some amazing stats have come from…

Would you like to be part of our event? Peacehaven community garden will be running an event for families and everyone in the community on the 16th February. This event will be to fundraise for future projects in the garden as well as attract locals to the garden itself, with our new childrens’ mud kitchen, share shed and more! Visit our Facebook page for more information.

Castle Hill Nature Reserve in Newhaven On Monday 3rd November Jessie and Martin headed to Castle Hill Nature Reserve in Newhaven. Thank you to those who joined the walk.  We hope you learnt a lot about fungi. The species list will be available soon and has been sent to Friends of Castle Hill to add to their list.  

You can now support Greenhavens Network by purchasing lottery tickets for the Lewes District Local Lottery. We need your help to keep the Network going.    We’re currently providing various training and wellbeing sessions with partner groups. We’re also popping up in various places with our seed and plant swap. All this to empower groups and residents to improve pollination in gardens and wild spaces across the District. Thank you for your support and good luck! Yours sincerely, Mrs Julie Barnett, Chair