January 2011 Blog Posts (20)

Sunday 30th January 2011

Hi all, this is the first in a series of blog entries we'll be submitting charting the trials and tribulations of life on a Sussex farm and running a small rural business or two.  

Had a great day today working at our greenhouse in Glynde potting on ferns, aubretia and various others on a beautiful…

Can anybody help Sharon to find homes for free range, organic "end of lay" hens.  These hens from Ditchling are still laying but just not enough to be commercially viable and with shells that are fine but unacceptable for the supermarkets!  Contact sharonkaye33@yahoo.com

A new initiative with very broad valley wide support is beginning to develop.  More news very soon...

Please post your comments about this as ablog or in the new discussion forum.

The Lewes Parking Review @ www.eastsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Comments are invited from throughout the district.…

We have just been sent the following link which suggests that the proposed flooding of the lower Ouse may not now be going ahead .... …

Our lively new year walk buzzed with fresh ideas: from beekeeping to allotments and environmental art, films to festivals, conversations about transport, waste and energy stimulated by the views of the new Ouse valley incinerator, plans for wildlife walks and a village connections cycle ride...

There was no evidence of green moles or agents provocateurs... just enthusiastic people enjoying a local walk motivated by the desire…

The following Avaaz campaign was forwarded to me this morning by a neighbour... the petition can be found @ avaaz@avaaz.org

Bees are vital to life on earth -- every year pollinating plants and crops with an estimated $40bn value, over one third of the food supply in many…

Cycle Seahaven have forwarded details of their very well crafted response to the ESCC draft transport strategy in an attempt to promote local cycling provision.  Details attached.cycleseahavenLTP3a.pdf

We are planning to organise a village connections/seahaven cycling ride this Spring. 

I have sent a brief Village Connections submission drawing…

Thanks to Irene for details of the 38 degrees campaign to question current plans to build huge 'mega-dairies' in Lincolnshire.  These huge, US-style factory farms keep cows inside all year. The cows aren't even fed on grass.



"It would be a disaster to let these US-style factory farms come to the UK.…

ESCC are now seeking the views from residents who have been affected by flooding, Town and Parish Councils, District and Borough Councils...

 …

Thank you to Andy Lock of Cycle Seahaven for his reminder about contributions to our draft local transport plan: 

Details @…

1.  Start shwopping - Every year we consume around 2 million tonnes of clothes and other textiles and throw away half of this amount into landfill.  Organise a shwopping party with friends and exchange unwanted items for new ones.

2.  Start insulating - For every £5 you spend on energy bills, an estimated £1 is wasted. Insulating your loft…

Community 21 is a joint initiative between University of Brighton and The Rural Community Council, Action in Rural Sussex which has resulted in the development of an online ‘toolbox’, social networking and data management system to facilitate community networking and engagement, information management and community led planning processes for 21st Century, sustainable communities. …

The central recommendation of this Sussex Universtiy Energy Group report recently commisssioned by Friends of the Earth is that a much greater focus is needed on community-scale energy generation. 

The Government must ensure that robust action is…

More than 4.5 million UK households can't afford to heat their homes properly.  According to Friends of the earth :”Revamping homes so they're better insulated and cheaper to heat would save lives, slash fuel bills and tackle climate change.

Dave Timms, Warm Homes campaigner.…

ESCC have accepted the reccommendation at a Public Inquiry this summer that West Beach be formally registered as... a village green.

The Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Graham Amy remains confident that, although Newhaven Port Properties are still challenging this decision, the local…