Council focuses on climate and nature projects

More than 20 community and environmental groups were represented

It was at Lewes District Council's first annual Climate and Nature Partner Organisation event, where they provided updates on their activities.

he inaugural event at Marine Workshops in Newhaven also gave an opportunity for group representatives to network, learn about the council's refreshed Nature and Climate Strategy and input into regional projects.

Councillor Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems, said: "It was great to welcome so many community and environmental groups to this event and hear about the wide array of climate action and nature projects being undertaken across the district.

"Partnership working is crucial to our success, particularly in achieving our 2030 net zero target, as set out in our refreshed Nature and Climate Strategy.

"Since declaring a climate emergency five years ago, we have made great progress locally but there is much work still to be done."

Latest data for Lewes district shows there has been a 16.8% reduction in carbon emissions on the total baseline figure from 2018/19 and the carbon footprint has reduced by 15% since 2018.

Attendees at the event represented a range of community and environmental groups including climate hubs, green networks, a food partnership, a community partnership, 'friends of', wildflower, community gardening and tree planting groups, parish councils, sustainable travel groups, voluntary action organisations and river protection groups.