Partner Groups

Lewes Climate Hub is an alliance of local environmental and community groups. We aim to provide a central information and networking point on all climate and environment-related projects, events and activities happening in and around Lewes. This includes practical advice on activities from home retrofitting to improving energy efficiency and biodiversity, and also building resilience in the face of global warming. We warmly welcome any Lewes group that would like to join our partner groups, including those not directly involved in environmental activities but are concerned about climate change. Email to learn more.

Friends of Lewes

Friends of Lewes, the Lewes Civic Society, has the overall goal of conserving and enhancing our town – its history, distinctive buildings and the natural environment. We work with others to ensure that when changes to buildings or streetscape are proposed, the unique heritage of Lewes is treated with care and respect. Our Planning Committee aims to reduce carbon emissions by engaging with developers and renovators and encouraging them to adopt carbon neutral and other ecologically sound innovations. Our Trees Committee leads Lewes Urban Arboretum project: planting and monitoring trees with the aim of increasing tree canopy cover in Lewes to meet the 20% minimum recommendation for urban environments. We actively collaborate with other Lewes-based groups that share our aims of improving our environment, increasing biodiversity and mitigating the risks resulting from climate change. You may find out more by visiting https://friends-of-lewes.org.uk , or contact us on , (general), or , (trees).

Ovesco

Ovesco is a community group run by volunteers for the local community in East Sussex. We create community owned renewable energy projects so our local community can become zero carbon. We are entering a partnership with Coop Community Energy which enables people to purchase community generated electricity. By supporting this tariff, you will support Ovesco and other community energy projects across the country. https://ovesco.co.uk

Lewes Library of Things

Lewes Library of Things is a new project that seeks to address inequality and reduce consumption by giving local people the choice to borrow the items they need for short term or one off use. From tools for DIY to a gazebo for a family celebration, you will no longer need to spend money on buying an item that will only be used for a few hours, or that you don't have room to store in your home. We want to provide a mobile service, reducing journeys and ensuring that those who do not have a car can still obtain heavy or unwieldy items . To do this we will buy an electric vehicle that can go into the parts of Lewes District that are deprived or have poor public transport, with a possible expansion into other areas of East Sussex later. We are aiming for a launch date of July 2021. Facebook: @Leweslibraryofthings Local giving fundraising page is https://localgiving.org/charity/golocalcic/ Lewes Library of Things and Lewes Repair Café are both projects run by Go Local CIC​

Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust

The Railway Land Wildlife Trust exists to inspire environmental sustainability by bringing nature to the heart of Lewes. Our beautiful purpose built centre, the Linklater Pavilion, can be found at the entrance to the Railway Land Local Nature Reserve. We provide lifelong environmental learning opportunities for the whole community, and promote nature based solutions to climate change. https://www.railwaylandproject.org

Seaford Environental Alliance

We organise events, talks, activities and projects in the local area to build a strong community facing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss together. www.seafuture.org Email: Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/seafuture

Community Energy South

Community energy is about people coming together to reduce energy use, purchase, manage and generate low carbon heat and power. Community Energy South is an umbrella organisation and regional hub enabling local community groups and organisations to grow as sustainable low carbon businesses, in the South East of England. Our goals are to tackle climate change, increase energy security and make renewable energy more affordable. https://www.communityenergysouth.org

Lewes Repair Cafe

Lewes Repair Café is a free monthly event held in Landport Community Hub. Our friendly team of talented repairers mend anything from electrical appliances to broken zips, as well as bicycles, china, jewellery, shoes and boots and other household treasures. We are a community event, and you can also join us for tea, coffee and cake, giving you a chance to chat with friends or meet new people. Our aims are to share skills and reduce waste, promoting a repairing culture in our community, and to bring people together and combat social isolation. Access to our service also helps people on low incomes. We are currently unable to hold events but look forward to starting up again when the time is right. www.lewesrepaircafe.org.uk Find us on Facebook: @lewesrepaircafe support us on our fundraising page: localgiving.org/charity/golocalcic/ Lewes Library of Things and Lewes Repair Café are both projects run by Go Local CIC

Transition Town Lewes

We’re a network of local people who, by preparing and adapting to the changes ahead, are finding a pathway to a positive future, without reliance on oil. Building a thriving and resilient community that works in balance with the natural world on which we depend, and working to achieve a zero carbon future. https://transitiontownlewes.org

Plastic Free Lewes

Plastic Free Lewes aims to take action on plastic pollution by inspiring individuals, businesses, schools and organisations across Lewes to reduce consumption of unnecessary plastic – especially single-use plastic. By sharing ideas to change personal behaviour and by lobbying government and big business, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution. https://plasticfreelewes.org

Common Cause

Common Cause Co-operative was established in 1991 and is a social enterprise and not-for-profit company based in Lewes, East Sussex. We are striving to help build vibrant local communities and a sustainable economy. We have run the popular Lewes Farmers Market for over 22 years. Stallholders come from within 30 miles and sell food and land-based goods that meet our high environmental and animal welfare standards. The market has supported many start-up businesses, giving new enterprises a chance to test products and get to know customers. We also have a number of growing, well-being, and skill sharing projects with an emphasis on inclusivity and wild-life friendly activities, including the Lewes House Garden project, Lewes Community Allotment, Ringmer Community Orchard and Seedy Saturday Lewes. http://www.commoncause.org.uk​

Wildflower Lewes

Wildflower Lewes is a community group of volunteers who want to see Lewes filled with wildflowers and buzzing with butterflies and bees. We are creating more wild spaces across Lewes on public and private land, and more opportunities for people to connect with the nature on their doorstep. We work with the Town, District and County Councils to help to create, manage and monitor wildflower sites throughout the town. Contact Lesley Healey 07765 077590 Email click here Facebook: @wildflowerlewes

Lewes Extinction Rebellion

We are an ever-growing group of like-minded people from all walks of life, determined to make a stand on climate change and biodiversity loss. Extinction Rebellion is a non-violent direct action movement demanding urgent action in the face of an unprecedented global emergency. http://xrlewes.org

Keep It In The Ground Lewes

Part of Divest East Sussex, campaigning to get large investors such as local pension funds not to invest in fossil fuels. Tel: 01273 480011.

Friends of The Earth Brighton & Hove

Friends of the Earth, Brighton & Hove have campaigned for many years on issues such as Air Quality & Transport, our Bees, the Newhaven Incinerator, scrutinising Local Development Plans & Applications, and responding to BHCC and other relevant Consultations. We're currently working with BHCC to help develop their Climate Action Plan/Carbon Neutral 2030. We also often get involved in issues covered by the Greater Brighton area such as lobbying for the creation of the South Downs National Park and we were heavily involved in the successful bid to get the City and Coast area designated as a World Biosphere. New members are most welcome: call or text Dave 07961 055243.

Lewes Swift Supporters

Lewes Swift Supporters is a group of volunteers who methodically observe and record Swift activity across Lewes. This information is used to select priority areas for encouraging an increase in Swift accommodation. We also record, and follow up on, reports of sightings via Facebook, Twitter or email from residents who take part from May to July in our 'Lewes Swift Watch'. Our advice has helped many residents to install Swift boxes or bricks at their own home or place of business. Membership is free and you may join us by emailing . You may also follow us on Twitter @lewesswifts or join our Facebook group, 'Lewes Swift Supporters'.

Lewes Community Football Club

Lewes Football Club is 100% fan-owned, not-for-profit and people-powered. It’s also the first and only gender equal club in the world. Both first teams play at the club’s home ground, The Dripping Pan, and the club is home to many other affiliated community teams as well. Lewes FC Men play in the Isthmian League and Lewes FC Women in the Championship (FAWC). Currently owned by more than 1700 people who pay £40 a year for the privilege, the club has owners spanning Lewes, the UK, and indeed 37 countries around the world. Famous for its historic and culture-changing campaign ‘Equality FC’, Lewes FC continues to work towards shaping the future of football and its impact on wider society. As well as boasting over 180 solar panels on its covered South Stand at The Pan, the club now has a ‘community garden’ set up by men’s midfielder Bradley Pritchard with the intention to promote green food practices within the community.

Love Our Ouse

Love our Ouse is a community initiative to celebrate, raise the profile of and upscale positive action for our river from source to sea. The Ouse has the right to support a rich biodiversity of life and a thriving riverside community. Love our Ouse is about being inclusive and connecting all sorts of people along the river! We will help prioritize communities most affected by pollution, climate change and other threats to river ecology. We will engage in partnership working with stakeholders and benefit existing organisation’s positive work by increasing engagement as well as create increased accountability for those with statutory duties.

The Lewes Pound

The Lewes Pound is more than just money. It celebrates Lewes and the diversity and richness of its independent traders, producers and suppliers, encouraging visitors to come to Lewes and us all to shop locally.

Sustainable Hamsey

Supporting the villages Cooksbridge, Offham, Hamsey, Bevernbridge towards a more sustainable future. Addressing rural issues:How to get to net zero with the effects of devastating industrial agriculture, pollution from the main A275 and high dependency on oil. We aim to inspire the community to increase biodiversity especially in places like Hamsey churchyard. We aim for better footpaths, cycle lanes & rural public transport as well as energy alternatives.

Cycle Lewes

Cycle Lewes is a membership organisation which promotes cycling for all age groups and abilities in Lewes and the surrounding villages. We campaign for safer roads that will encourage more people to use their bikes. We believe that an increase in cycling in and around the town will contribute to a cleaner environment and the reduction of harmful pollutants. www.cyclelewes.org.uk

Wellbeing Tree

Well-being Tree supports physical and mental health for vulnerable adults through weekly groups and projects. We are member led and believe that self-care, creativity and social connections help the community to flourish and has a wide impact on society as a whole. One of our main concerns is the environment - we find that connection to nature is vital for physical and mental wellbeing and run projects exploring this connection whilst developing awareness of key environmental issues. https://wellbeingtree.org

Nevill 2030

Nevill 2030 is a community group of Nevill residents who are concerned about the climate emergency and loss of biodiversity. We share ideas, information and actions that we can take locally. We organise community events and activities to promote environmental awareness, sustainability and resilience in our neighbourhood. Contact:

Depot Cinema Kitchen & Bar

Depot is an independent 3-screen cinema, restaurant and event venue located in the centre of Lewes. We aim to be an exemplar of sustainable business both as a local venue and in the wider cinema industry. Depot placed sustainability high on the agenda at the point of design and build, investing in onsite renewable energy sources, efficient infrastructure, local materials and supporting biodiversity. Depot dedicates significant resources across the organisation to ensure they minimise their negative footprint and maximise opportunities for positive impacts. Depot’s cinema programme regularly features environmental films incorporating experts and local partners, to put a spotlight on global and local efforts to address our climate and ecological crisis. https://lewesdepot.org

Lewes & Villages seniors

Lewes & Villages Seniors is one of several forums in East Sussex aiming to support older people and give us a strong voice. We do that by working closely alongside ESCC (which supports us financially), the local Health Authority and other relevant government bodies and NGOs to inform our members and to feedback our views and experiences of services. We also campaign on important issues affecting our members - e.g. maintaining an accessible bus station. Our social and educational events develop the friendships and relationships that help break down social isolation and build a healthy community. Contact us by email:

Compost Club

Compost Club is a purpose driven social enterprise. We deliver high quality living compost. We divert food waste from landfill or incineration to drastically reduce emissions by composting it with the use of no fossil fuels. We collect the food waste from our Compost Club members in our electric van and steward a process that harnesses the powers of the naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms. The finished compost has a diversity of beneficial microorganisms for healthy soil, healthy plants, and healthy humans. We also offer education and consultancy to schools, groups and individuals on different composting methods and the soil food web.

Piddinghoe Climate Action Group

We are a small group of villagers at Piddinghoe on the banks of the River Ouse, finding ways to make our village, which has no mains gas supply, more energy efficient and less reliant on oil-heating. With 100 houses of different sorts of ages, we look to explore a range of solutions including heat pumps and insulating materials. We are also working with Brighton University and a land owner to see if energy can be generated for the village from the river. To learn more, contact .

Future Folk Sussex

Future Folk Sussex (FFS) is a Mutual Home Ownership Society and a not-for-profit organisation created in response to the ecological crisis that society faces. We aim to create affordable, sustainable, low impact co-housing communities, practising regenerative land management. We also look to bring previously private residences into collective ownership using the Mutual Home Ownership Society (MHOS) model. By creating intentional communities (for residents) combined with social enterprises (for the wider community), we aim to provide a platform for learning about relationships, community-living, permaculture, local ecology and regenerative practices. Our first co-housing site will be an 11-acre farm in East Sussex. Find out more at www.futurefolk.org

Laughton Greenwood

Laughton Greenwood is an inclusive, vibrant community of members and volunteers restoring a beautiful, ancient woodland in East Sussex. Laughton is just outside Lewes, near Ringmer. You are welcome to visit the wood at any time. We would love you to get involved - * Monthly Woodland Care volunteer sessions. First Sunday of every month from 10am. Meet at Park Lane, Laughton, see website for details. All welcome. * Rent one of our shelters for your next workshop, yoga session or children's outing. * Become a Member, buy a share for £50, which gives you the right to vote. * Join one of the working groups of the committee. The Habitat group or forestry group, come along & see what we do. www.laughtongreenwood.co.uk Facebook / Instagram / Twitter @laughtongreenwood

Strandliners

Strandliners is a community interest company working in SE England along the coastline and in river catchments. Up to 80% of coastal plastic pollution can have inland sources and waterways are a direct route to the sea. Our focus is identifying and recording environmental pollution (predominantly plastic) to provide evidence to lobby for change at source. We train volunteers and community groups to add value to litter picks and beach cleans through citizen science surveys. If we don't know what the environmental pollution is, we cannot stop it at source. Past success includes collecting data for the plastic bag tax, deposit return scheme and the single use plastic ban. Plastic emits greenhouse gases at all stages of its life cycle from extraction to transport, to production and consumption, contributing to global warming. It is lost to the environment in transport and post-consumer action, decimating wildlife and habitats. Strandliners aims for a zero-waste society, using local, community based sustainable solutions. Find out more at: https://strandliners.org/

Green Church Lewes

Green Church is a collaboration between churches in Lewes, supported by Churches Together in the Lewes Area and Lewes Climate Hub. We seek to encourage appreciation and care of God’s creation and raise awareness of ways we can all reduce our carbon footprint. We choose to stand with those most affected by global warming by sharing their stories and campaigning for climate justice. Since the group formed in September 2021 we have initiated community events such as a pre COP prayer walk and vigil and Climate Sunday services. Other events, such as local pilgrimages and an Open Church Eco Day are planned for the future. As a new group, we are a work in progress and value contributions from those of all faiths and none to partner with us on this journey. For more information email or WhatsApp Green Church Lewes https://chat.whatsapp.com/JkohDrISWe90TU0LJMj0pt or join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/568562858159122

Lovebrook

Lovebrook CIC is a for-benefit organisation based across thirty three acres of farmland in the beautiful South Downs village of Kingston just two miles out of Lewes. This ambitious project focusses on regenerative food growing, wellbeing, education and transition. We were established in 2022 as a response to the converging ecological and social crises that we are currently facing. We have a busy program of volunteer days and wellbeing sessions working with people in the Lewes area focussing on mental health, trauma and isolation. We also run a training course for the next generation of regenerative farmers. We fund our work through activities such as selling our delicious veg through our veg bag scheme which is always open to new subscribers! www.lovebrook.org @lovebrook_CIC on instagram.

Travel Log Lewes

Travel Log Lewes promotes sustainable transport in Lewes, its environs and the world by means of a web site www.travelloglewes.co.uk and a free monthly newsletter containing latest news. You can sign up for the newletter on the web site. Travel Log Lewes covers (amongst other things): TRAINS - the cheapest tickets, changes to the timetables and the best routes to travel to your destination. BUSES AND COACHES - where they go, how to find the timetables and the cheapest fares WALKING - Places you can walk without using a car in the best places, locally and elsewhere. CYCLING - how to buy a bike, routes you can cycle locally and elsewhere. CAMPAIGNS - including the campaign to save the bus station, campaigns for more rights of way for walkers and cyclists and for an environment that promotes active travel. HISTORY of paths, bridleways and other forms of transport.

Get Bikery

Get Bikery is an eCargo bike project aimed at reducing car and van dependency in Lewes. Get Bikery has a range of rear loading and front loading bikes that can carry goods (and children!) around the streets and hills of Lewes easily. There are 3 strands to the project. FIXED DELIVERIES – delivering for local traders and markets to addresses in and around Lewes. HIRE – to families and local businesses on a daily, weekend or weekly basis. EVENTS – utilising bikes for local community events, environmental and educational uses. We also hire trailers and are starting a membership scheme for frequent users. To date hires have resulted in 5 bikes being bought, this in turn has reduced transport emissions and improved air quality. We are always looking for volunteer riders and help with the general running of the project. Please call 07890 617247 Email Website www.getbikery.org

Greencuisine Trust

Greencuisine Trust is part of the global food movement working towards a sustainable food system which delivers health and wellbeing for all. Through inspiring projects, courses, events and consultancy the Trust highlights the connections between food and health. Food that truly nourishes us involves a myriad of relationships. From the diversity of soil micro-organisms to our own bodies microbes. From the traditional wisdoms, passed down through the generations, of growing, harvesting and seed saving to the art of preserving food and the joy of sharing.These interwoven relationships are a rich mosaic of traditions and culture, sitting at the heart of our well-being. https://www.greencuisinetrust.org

Landport Community Garden

Landport Community Garden is a tucked away walled garden on the Landport estate in Lewes. We grow vegetables, fruit and flowers without using chemicals whilst also trying to remain wildlife-friendly. Produce is shared between volunteers, with any surplus going to Landport food-related projects including the food bank, community fridge and community cafe. We also hold community events in the garden and provide a venue for other community groups to use , including Pippa's Group nursery, and groups for people with dementia and their carers and young people with mental health support needs run by Circle of Life Rediscovery. We are based in Hayward Road in Lewes, and you can join us for drop-in community gardening sessions from 10am-1pm on the first Saturday and third Thursday of the month as well as additional "pop up sessions" as and when. No gardening experience is necessary and all are welcome. See our Facebook page Landport Community Garden Lewes for more details, or email to be put on our mailing list.

Litter Free Lewes

Litter Free Lewes is a group of volunteers who organise litter picks to keep our town looking pleasant and safe for us and for wildlife. You may find out about upcoming litter picks by joining and following their Facebook group "Litter Free Lewes" or contact us via . All followers are welcome to post details of their own litter pick to the group and to invite other residents to join in.