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Welcome to our September newsletter, containing all the latest news and updates from across West Sussex.
 What if your local verge could not only fight climate change, but also help repair roads?
We’re trialling a new approach called Greenprint with South Gloucestershire Council and other partner organisations, to turn grass clippings into ‘biochar’ - a carbon-rich material that can be used to fix potholes and trap carbon. Click the YouTube video above that explains more.
Grass cuttings are usually left to compost on the ground but that creates carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, the gasses that contribute to climate change.
Collecting the cuttings reduces these greenhouse gas emissions and the grass regrows more slowly so more wildflowers that attract pollinating insects have a chance to grow.
This captures more carbon in the soil and the collected cuttings can be processed to create useful products like biofuel and biochar.
Slower grass regrowth also reduces the number of times we need to cut the grass each year. Which means the mowing machines need less maintenance and we use less fuel to power them.
This work supports the ‘nature and environment’ priorities in our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
With fewer mowings, richer biodiversity, and carbon captured in the soil, this trial is reshaping how we think about highways maintenance.
 Buchan Country Park is set in 170 acres of beautiful countryside right on Crawley's doorstep and has won the Green Flag Award, which recognises the best green spaces in the UK, every year since 2010. On a visit you can enjoy lakeside views, woodland walks, and wildlife spotting; and improved footpaths from the bus stop mean it’s easier than ever to explore. Plan your journey and get to Buchan by bus.
Bus travel is a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly way to stay connected and get where you need to go. Choosing bus travel instead of using a traditional car can also help cut emissions and air pollution and protect our environment.
Don't forget older people of pension age and people with an eligible disability can also apply for a free bus pass. Whether you're out on your own, with a group of friends, or travelling with young children; local operators offer extra discounts to help you save.
 We've launched Skills Bootcamps, a new initiative helping residents gain the in-demand skills that local employers are actively seeking, especially those in the expanding green technology sector.
Courses offer sector-specific training such as ground and air source heat pump engineering and electric vehicles installation for individuals who wish to further develop their skills, as well as introductory courses in other key areas. Upcoming bootcamps will follow soon in sustainable construction, forestry and arboriculture, further supporting the county’s growing green economy.
Funded by a £4.3 million grant from the Department for Education, the programme provides free, flexible training for adults aged 19+ who live or work in West Sussex. Developed in partnership with local employers, each course is designed to boost employability, with guaranteed job interviews or career progression opportunities.
Bootcamps combine technical and soft skills training with coaching, mentoring, and CV support, aligning with Our Council Plan commitment to support a sustainable and prosperous economy.
It's Recycle Week this month from 22 to 28 September and we will be putting the focus on rescuing recyclable materials from your general waste bin!
In West Sussex you can recycle the following materials at home:
- cartons
- foil
- glass bottles and jars
- plastic bottles and containers (all colours)
- paper and card
- metal cans and aerosols.
This includes commonly missed recyclable items such as toothpaste tubes, black plastics, bottles with trigger sprays and aerosols.
Just make sure they are clean, dry and loose before popping them in your recycling bin!
- Don't forget, our Recycling Centres will switch to autumn/winter opening hours from 1 October 2025.
- As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Sussex begins its annual transformation into a landscape of rich reds, golds and russets. From historic gardens to wild forests, the county offers a wide variety of places to enjoy the beauty of autumn. Visit Experience Sussex to discover the best spots to enjoy autumn colours.
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Growing Sussex is a project to advance 5G technology in food, wine and plant production. It’s helping growers adopt technologies like sensors and drones, while building the digital skills needed for the future. The first partner site is at Wicks Farm in Ford, where wireless access is being used to improve crop management of strawberries grown under glass.
- The National Lottery Awards for All England can provide funding up to £20,000 for community-led projects that improve the environment and help people connect with and enjoy nature where they live.
- The South Downs National Park’s Sustainable Communities Fund supports a range of inspiring grassroots projects, including forest schools, habitat protection, playing fields and river monitoring. Find out more and apply for grant funding.
- The Wild About Dark Skies Festival returns to the High Weald from 24 October to 2 November. Join them for a series of special free ‘warm-up’ events throughout Autumn led by dark skies experts, specially timed to ensure the best view of the stars (weather permitting!).
- It's Flood Action Week from 14 to 20 October. Keep a look out for updates on our flood prevention investments and what your household can do to be better prepared.
If you have any questions, or want to share local climate action stories, email us at climatechange@westsussex.gov.uk.
Join our community of climate champions and add a new map pin to our Community Climate Action Map.
Passionate about your local environment? Do you know someone who would like this newsletter? Please forward it to them so they can sign up using the link below.
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