 I’m delighted to introduce myself as your new Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, and I’d like to thank you for the interest you’ve shown by signing up to this eNewsletter.
With the current hot weather, it’s impossible not to notice the effects of climate change in our everyday lives. Protecting our environment is vital not only to reduce the causes of climate change but also to prepare for the inevitable ways it will impact us all. We will shortly be publishing a consultation to ask for your views on how we will work towards these goals so stay tuned to this eNewsletter to hear about it first.
Together with partners, we’ve launched a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) which you can read more about below. This is an exciting time as the strategy will drive forward work to create and restore habitats, support our most threatened species and provide corridors for wildlife across our landscapes.
The publication of the LNRS comes as we’re starting to develop plans for a series of investments to boost nature recovery. Over the coming years we’ll be investing £2.5m towards nature recovery, climate resilience, and community energy. This is part of a wider £10m capital investment agreed by the county council in 2024.
 The first Local Nature Recovery Strategy for West Sussex has now been published. Shaped by the views, knowledge, and dedication of over 1,000 local people, it sets out 8 principles, 24 priorities, and over 100 practical actions that can be taken to help create, enhance, and connect habitats and support species across our area.
This is one of 48 Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) being developed across England. LNRS are a new approach to reverse the decline in biodiversity by agreeing what needs to be done locally to achieve the greatest benefit for wildlife and the wider environment.
Over two years in the making, publication is an important milestone. It marks the end of the strategy’s preparation phase and the start of a new one: implementation.
Developing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for West Sussex supports our work on nature and environment within our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
 Year 10 students from Shoreham Academy photographed at Stonehouse Farm in Handcross, West Sussex.
The West Sussex, Brighton & Hove Careers Hub partnered with the Love Local Jobs Foundation to deliver an inspiring Dare to Dream biodiversity field event for Year 10 school students.
Enabled through the generosity of the team at Stonehouse Farm, Handcross, the day was alive with curiosity and hands-on learning as 120 students from 12 schools explored three immersive zones designed to spark imagination and build real-world understanding.
In the Residential Zone, teams demonstrated problem-solving skills to design and build sustainable model houses, thinking creatively about structure, materials and environmental impact.
The Enterprise Zone gave students the chance to manufacture concrete stepping stones that will become part of the site’s Biodiversity Net Gain landscape - an activity made meaningful by its lasting contribution to the environment.
Students met animals, ecologists and conservation professionals in the Ecological Zone who shared their passion for habitat restoration and conservation grazing.
To finish, all 120 students planted a tree, leaving a living legacy of their day.
 Buchan Country Park, run by the county council, has once again achieved the Green Flag Award, marking its 16th consecutive year of recognition as one of the UK's best-managed green spaces.
The award celebrates parks that are welcoming, well-maintained and managed to high environmental standards. This continued success reflects the dedication of our countryside team and the volunteers who support the park through maintenance and habitat management work throughout the year.
From peaceful woodland walks and beautiful lakeside views, Buchan Country Park is the perfect place to explore, unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can also enjoy the Countryside Centre, a coffee from Cuppa-Love, picnic and BBQ areas, and the dog-dip for four-legged companions.
 We're boosting recycling across the county after a major upgrade to our Horsham waste site. The recently expanded ‘Anaerobic Digestion’ facilities now recycle thousands of tonnes of locally collected food waste into clean energy and fertiliser each year.
Since April, 2,670 tonnes of food waste - roughly the equivalent of around 200 double-decker buses - has been converted into renewable energy.
 We’re using water faster than nature can replace it, driven by a changing climate and growing demand. While the water industry is investing billions to upgrade the network, we all have a role to play. Let’s Save Water is a new campaign helping everyone reduce water use through simple, everyday changes.
Did you know? On average, each person in the UK uses around 140 litres of water per day. With more extreme weather predicted, water supply is becoming unpredictable and West Sussex is classed as a ’water stressed’ area.
If each of us tries to save just 28 litres a day (two buckets of water) we'll be making a difference for future generations:
• Cut your shower by two minutes to save 28 litres
• Use a washing up bowl instead of a running tap to save 10 litres per minute
• Use eco-mode on appliances to save 10 litres per wash
A county council Network Compliance Officer has played a key role in protecting a nesting pair of swans and their young near Arundel Castle.
Residents across West Sussex are enjoying the county’s coast and countryside like never before, thanks to major upgrades to our public paths that are making them safer, more accessible and more enjoyable to explore.
We're interested to hear your views on walking, wheeling and cycling proposals in Horsham in response to long-standing concerns about safety and congestion near a school. Consultation closes 4 August 2026.
Have your say on proposed safer walking and cycling in Crawley improvements between Crawley Town Centre and Manor Royal Business Park. The consultation will remain open until 5 August 2026.
Families travelling this summer will benefit from free bus travel for children with the ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme. Every child aged five to 15 in England will travel free on participating local buses throughout August, helping support families across the country to get out and explore. Buses are an affordable and a sustainable way to travel, so hop on board.
Which? has revealed the best summer walking routes ideal for scenery, wildlife and peace and quiet, including some beautiful routes in south east England.
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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