By Diana Penly

Thanks to everyone who came along to watch the film, Power Station. There was a really great buzz in the room for the discussion. We are setting up an energy group in Greener Hassocks and Ditchling. If you are interested in joining in, please get in touch and help us shape this.

We plan to run more Eco open houses in the autumn. It is such a great way to see what real people have done in their houses and demystify the process. If you would be happy to join our open houses, please get in touch!

Those of you who came along to the AGM will recall we had a list of initiatives to explore. On biodiversity, we have some great events, starting with the seed swap on 28th February. We also plan to hold another stream watch at the March Market. This was such fun last year looking at all the creatures that live in our local streams.

The Swift supporters group is also getting organised. Jim Edwards, who lives in Cooksbridge, has made 12 bird boxes so far for our local swift group, to be installed in March. The group will conduct their first Hassocks swift survey later this year. Some areas still need volunteers. The survey will take place from May to July. There will be two surveys a month, done in pairs or small groups, on flexible dates. Each survey takes one to two hours. If anyone is interested in getting involved, please get in touch on greenerhassocksditchling@gmail.com.

By Diana Penly

Greener Hassocks and Ditchling started in 2009 when a handful of local people sat down together to learn more about climate change and think about ways we could respond. We started to hold events so we and others could learn more, raise awareness about climate issues and to develop practical community projects.

We have project groups which are looking for new members to help grow our activities. We welcome local residents with enthusiasm and a willingness to join in. Community projects across Hassocks & Ditchling include:

• Climate Hub – A space for discussion, education, and collaboration on climate-related issues, bringing together people passionate about making a difference, on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, usually at Proper Cafe, Keymer Road.
• Floods & SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) – An initiative focused on managing water runoff, reducing flood risks, and increasing awareness of sustainable water management.
• HKD Community Energy – A project aimed at increasing local renewable energy generation and efficiency within our community
• Repair Café – A community-led effort based at the Age Concern on Hassocks Village Market day with an aim to encourage repairing items, and reduce waste
• Transport Initiative – Exploring ways to improve sustainable transport options in our area, with a focus on cycling initiatives
• Library of Things (in development) – A planned resource where community members can borrow useful items, reducing consumption and waste.
• Ditchling Orchard – A project that supports biodiversity and local food resilience through the planting and care of fruit trees • Community Veg Patch – A shared space for growing food sustainably while promoting local food production. The ‘Patchworkers’ meet on the last Saturday morning of every month to coincide with the Hassocks Market, as well as one weekday.

We keep in touch with the community through our monthly newsletter and social media channels, so that everyone can stay informed and get involved.

A buzz at Greener Hassocks

Get involved with Greener Hassocks