We were thrilled to collaborate with People’s Park for Nature (PPN) and Sussex Dolphin Project to be part of England’s first pop-up Rewilding Visitor Centre in Newhaven.
Nearly 300 people came together to imagine what nature’s recovery could look like in the Lower Ouse Valley and how it may happen. The atmosphere in the room was electric, and connections and discussions were sparked at in all directions. The centre was opened by Alister Scott from the Global Rewilding Alliance who gave an inspiring talk highlighting how although we are facing huge challenges that rewilding our landscapes addresses not only the nature depletion but the problems with flooding and aiding with carbon sequestering.
What emerged from the event felt like the start of something much larger. The vision for a permanent, free-to-visit Rewilding Visitor Centre captured imaginations: a place where people can learn, explore, and actively take part in restoring nature. It could support local jobs, inspire projects across the region, and welcome visitors of all ages.
The PPN team is now looking for partners, whether that is regarding space, funding, or introductions.
Attendees were invited to participate in many activities including to sketch their “rewilded future” on a giant map and pin Monopoly money to their favourite ideas. Three clear favourites emerged:
- Beavers back in the Ouse Valley
- A bird sanctuary and children’s adventure playground
- A riverside Visitor Centre surrounded by wildlife
People’s Park for Nature continues to grow as a community rooted in optimism, inclusion, and action and the future of all our work lies in collaboration and partnership. PPN works in synergy with Greenhavens Network as it is about restoring nature on a micro and macro scale, expanding access to wild spaces, and deepening our connection to the natural world. Please look at their website and sign up to newsletters, the charter and pledge your space www.peoplesparkfornature.org.
The Greenhavens team have been busy at Newhaven Easter Family Fun Day bringing rewilding and nature education a very successful community event attended by 500 local people. We have also been working hard on a few network developments behind the scenes to be announced soon.
For training opportunities on offer through Ouse Valley Climate Action project please see www.southdowns.gov.uk/climate-action-hub/. If you’re interested in anything from first aid to setting up a community group, or nature identification to funding bid writing, please get in touch – contact@greenhavens.network
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