On 10th October, Greener Hassocks and Ditchling are offering Eco Open House Tours to share their stories of saving money on energy bills, reducing overheating in the summer and keeping warm in the winter. The local people who have played their part in planning and organising this event all have one thing in common: they are committed to saving energy, water and waste (and therefore money!) and enhancing biodiversity, reducing carbon and our impact on the environment in countless creative ways.

Have you ever thought of installing a heat pump or solar panels? Or wondered how to regulate the temperature of a room in extreme weather? Perhaps you’re considering more insulation or different glazing. This Eco Open Houses Tour is a unique opportunity for anybody considering similar changes who would like to see how those alterations might work in practice and ask questions of homeowners who have already embarked on this process. A number of local homeowners in Hassocks and Ditchling are generously opening their homes to show how they have made their homes sustainable. Visits are free, but all the houses have arranged tour times that must be booked in Eventbrite.

Please look at the case study for any property you are visiting to get the best from your time there. If you turn up late, you may only be able to complete part of the tour. You may be asked to remove your shoes. Visiting is at your own risk and some houses may be in the process of having building work done. No dogs. Please look for the wheelchair sign to check accessibility.

Houses vary from a bungalow conversion to a selfbuild, detached houses from the 30s, 60s, 70s, a 1930s detached house to a 1950s semi and a 1960s ground floor flat. To see the brochure and book, please see www.greenerhassocksditchling.org.uk/energy

Hassocks Parish Council has awarded Greener Hassocks and Ditchling a grant for a thermal imaging camera. If you would like to borrow it to help plan with insulation and understand where you are losing heat in your house, please contact Greenerhassocksditchling@gmail.com.

If you can’t make the Eco Open Houses Trail, why not pop along to the Hassocks Village Market on 24th October when Greener Hassocks and Ditchling will have an energy advisor available to talk about tariffs and give energy advice.

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.

Eco Open Houses Tours with Greener Hassocks and Ditchling

Get involved with Greener Hassocks