Events
Are you looking for something to do with your friends and family in your local area this spring/summer/autumn?
The Sunset Survey (April – October) brings you a perfect opportunity to get together with family/friends and discover bats and other wildlife in your local area. This is ideal for you if you don’t have previous bat surveying experience. Just spend an hour from sunset (or before sunrise) and let us know what you see/hear from your window, balcony, garden or local green space.
See how to take part and submit your sightings here.
Take part in the Willow Emerald Watch citizen science project by helping to monitor the spread of the Willow Emerald Damselfly across the UK. Learn how to identify this distinctive species and recognise the signs of breeding, including characteristic egg-laying scars on waterside trees. Participants are encouraged to record and submit sightings, contributing valuable data that supports research into the species’ distribution, population growth and conservation, while helping scientists better understand its continued expansion into new areas.
Find out more and how to get involved here.
A five-week journey that brings people together to explore the power of sound, nature, and Wakehurst’s unique landscapes.
Each weekly two-hour session includes a gentle walk, creative music-making, and moments of mindfulness, while also offering opportunities to learn about our horticulture, seasonal changes, and the science behind the wild places we care for. No musical experience is needed – everyone’s welcome to take part.
These sessions are designed especially for Community Access Scheme members, community groups, and individuals seeking to boost their wellbeing and connect with nature.
For more information and how to register click here Wakehurst Nature Notes Poster 2026.
Join us at Furnace Brook, in partnership with Pevensey Levels Farming Cluster for a film screening of the Derek vs Derek. From award-winning director James Dawson, Derek vs Derek is set in the rolling hills of Devon, telling the story of two neighbouring farmers who share a name but take radically different approaches to land use. Through humour and occasional tension, the film shines a light on the vital debate surrounding the future of rural Britain, encouraging conversation around how productive farming and nature restoration might work alongside each other.
We will be hosting local farmers with differing approaches, followed by a group discussion to talk about how we, as a local community can work together to support local farming and natural ecosystems.
Find out more and book your place here.
Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4QR United Kingdom
Join us for a free screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, followed by a discussion .
The event will take place in the Windmill Theatre at Blachington Mill School .
Hosted by Weald Allotment and Gardeners CIC and Brighton and Hove Organic Gardening Group.
Climate and nature breakdown will affect everyone in the country. As gardeners we see the effects on a daily basis and we appreciate that his crisis is more serious and immediate than many understand. There is strong evidence that bold, urgent action will improve lives and livelihoods, but the window of opportunity is narrowing as we delay. Join the thousand of people who have already seen this film and discusss what you can do. We have invited the local MP and councillors to the event. Doors will open at 2pm and the screening will start at 2.15pm. This film is recommended for ages 18 +
It is a free event but donations on the day to cover the cost of the venue will be appreciated.
Brighton, East Sussex BN3 7BW United Kingdom
Please join us at our Apple Day at Maltravers Community Orchard in Littlehampton. We will have u3a ukulele group, community stalls, orchard tour, children activities and apple pressing. Please bring your apples for pressing.
Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5EZ
Join us in Nutley Village for the People’s Emergency Briefing Screening—get the latest updates live!
Join us in person for the Nutley Village screening of Peoples Emergency Briefing! It’s a great chance to catch this important film, meet others from the community, and spark some meaningful conversations. Don’t miss out on this exciting local event—come along, relax, and be part of the discussion!
Nutley, East Sussex TN22 3NE United Kingdom
Come and watch the people’s national emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis in a welcoming and supportive space in Portslade.
This event is a film screening followed by a discussion.
We have booked the back room of the Railway In pub in Portslade, opposite the station. There is no parking at the venue, although there may be parking in the roads nearby or in Tesco’s.
The event is open to everyone over 16, but you can get a ticket here as it will help us to gauge numbers.
We won’t be providing refreshments, however please do use the pub – they serve lots of drinks (alcohol and alcohol-free options) and a good range of food and bar snacks.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Brighton, East Sussex BN41 1GA United Kingdom
Join Samantha and for a riverside journey around the saltmarsh with our guest guide Tony Benton who will share his knowledge of the migratory and over-wintering waders and other birds that can be seen at this time of year. You will also learn about the importance of this protected intertidal habitat and how you can help to support its recovery for future generations.
Find out more at the booking link.
Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5LT United Kingdom
Join us for a full day of learning and practical experience, designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to begin surveying hedgerows as part of our Healthy Hedgerows Citizen Science Programme
The day will include a classroom workshop covering the key principles of hedgerow management and surveying, followed by a practical group survey session where we will put what we have learnt into practice.
What to Expect
10:00am to 12:00pm, Classroom Workshop
The classroom workshop will cover all the knowledge needed to begin surveying hedgerows on our programme, including:
- What are the benefits of managing hedgerows?
- The hedgerow management lifecycle
- The Healthy Hedgerows Survey
- Citizen Science Programme next steps
There will be a 15-minute coffee break at 11:00am.
12:00pm to 1:00pm, Lunch
Lunch will be provided.
1:00pm to 3:00pm, Group Survey Session
We will head outside for a practical group survey session, where we will put what we have learnt in the classroom into practice.
Ashurst, West Sussex BN44 3AW United Kingdom
Join our free 2026 online conference to discover more about: the impact of Froglife projects on communities, Citizen Science Dragon Finder data, amphibian tunnels *, pond restoration , toadlet emergence and adders in Cornwall
More details about how to register to follow during the summer
South Downs Youth Action is a volunteering programme for 16 to 25-year-olds who want to make a difference in the South Downs National Park.
Explore the landscapes and wildlife of Seven Sisters Country Park while taking part in hands-on nature recovery activities. Participants will learn about the area’s unique habitats and species, discover more about the local landscape and contribute to work that helps protect and restore its biodiversity.
The event is free, and public transport and lunch costs can be reimbursed.
For questions, please contact learning@southdowns.gov.uk.
Exceat, East Sussex BN25 4AD United Kingdom
Join us for a riverside journey around the saltmarsh led by our guide Tony Benton who will share his knowledge of the migratory and over-wintering waders and other birds that can be seen at this time of year. You will also learn about the importance of this protected intertidal habitat and how you can help to support its recovery for future generations.
Find out more at the booking link.
Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5LT United Kingdom
Join Samantha and for a riverside journey around the saltmarsh with our guest guide Tony Benton who will share his knowledge of the migratory and over-wintering waders and other birds that can be seen at this time of year. You will also learn about the importance of this protected intertidal habitat and how you can help to support its recovery for future generations.
Find out more at the booking link.
Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5LT United Kingdom
After the film, we’ll be joined by Dylan from People’s Park for Nature for a relaxed panel discussion and Q&A on local action and environmental initiatives.
The People’s Park for Nature is a network of green and blue spaces managed by local local people committed to a wilder future for the Lower Ouse Valley – East Sussex – and beyond. They believe in sharing land, connecting people, and restoring the wild!
Grab a free ticket, bring someone with you, and join the conversation!
Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 9LH United Kingdom
We are hosting monthly volunteer days to help us regenerate the land, aid the existing wildlife, grow food and connect with the local community. Every volunteer day will be different; from tending to our market garden, planting trees, to biochar making and lake restoration. We will open the taproom from midday so you are welcome to stick around and try our craft ales before you head home!
- 10am start, stay as long as you like!
- People of all ages welcome. Children must be supervised by an adult
- All equipment and gloves will be provided
- We will be working outside, please bring appropriate shoes, outerwear, suncream and plenty of water
- Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
- Bring a packed lunch
- Parking available
Any questions, please get in touch: enquiries@furnacebrook.co.uk
Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4QR United Kingdom