Here are details of some of the initiatives in Lewes actively promoting biodiversity. They are the product of individuals in Lewes taking small-scale action on issues which directly affect our environment and which encourage local engagement.

Lewes Urban Arboretum (the Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes) completed an i-Tree Eco-Survey in 2019 which suggests that Lewes Town has an estimated 11.5% tree canopy cover, yet the minimum recommendation for sustainable urban environments is at least 20%. The survey yields a mass of data about the ecosystem services values of the town’s tree population, including carbon sequestration and storage, pollution removal, air purification and oxygen production, and water retention measures. This information is being used to advocate and justify both new plantings and the replacement of trees and hedges which have been felled because of age, disease or development. Since 2015, LUA volunteers have planted 90 mature street trees and 1,200 small hedge trees around Lewes.

Lewes Urban Arboretum Survey 2019 (read in new tab)

Wildflower Lewes recognises that 97% of our wildflower meadows have been lost nationwide since the 1970s. This has had a devastating effect on the insects that depend on wildflowers, and the birds and other animals which depend upon the insects. The chalk grassland of the South Downs is the rarest habitat in the UK, described by the late David Bellamy as the rainforest of Europe because between 30-40 different species can be recorded in one square metre. However, the South Down National Park has lost 80% of chalk grassland since World War 2. Wildflower Lewes is working with volunteers and other partners to create “green stepping stones” across Lewes to increase the area of this important ecosystem and make it more resilient. They have worked with all local councils to change the mowing regimes on grass verges to promote wildflower growth and allow the setting of seed.

Wildflower Lewes

South Downs chalk grassland habitat 

Lewes Swift Supporters monitor swift activity across Lewes from late April to early August. Swifts have shared our buildings for at least the last 2,000 years, nesting under eaves or in gables. Modern or renovated buildings exclude them, and their numbers have declined by 50% over the past 25 years. Since Swifts are sociable birds who prefer to live in colonies, records are used to identify the swift “hot spots” where new nest accommodation could be provided and be most likely to attract young prospecting birds. LSS advise residents on the best sites for installing nest boxes and have raised funds for two projects to provide and install swift nest-boxes and callers (to attract swifts) at 26 residential properties. Lewes Town Council and Lewes District Council have worked with LSS to adopt the policy of including swift boxes or bricks in suitable new developments and renovations. All residents and visitors to Lewes are invited to take part in “Lewes Swift Watch” via Facebook, Twitter or email. Members are advised on the many different ways to support an increase in swift numbers such as growing wildflowers, not using pesticides, or building a pond.

Swift Conservation

Lewes Swift Watch