Love Our Ouse

Love Our Ouse Celebrate, learn, act!

We are local initiative to link communities and relevant organisations in celebrating, raising the profile of, and taking action to safeguard the health and future resilience of the Sussex River Ouse from source to sea.

J o i n T h e R i v e r l u t i o n - Sunday 20th SeptemberSouthease to Lewes10.30 - 1pmBooking essential: Β£10As part of...
31/08/2026

J o i n T h e R i v e r l u t i o n - Sunday 20th September
Southease to Lewes
10.30 - 1pm
Booking essential: Β£10

As part of our Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival, join us on a special walk....

πŸ’§πŸ₯ΎGlimpses of the Lower Ouse πŸ₯ΎπŸ’§

πŸ’™Consider the Ouse through time and space, touching on key heritage, cultural, industrial and biodiversity elements. πŸ’šThe Lower Ouse has changed drastically over time and faces significant pressures today, we’ll reflect on this and ongoing efforts to redefine our relationship with the river. 🀍Walk led by Matthew Bird, Love our Ouse Director.

πŸ₯Ύ
Distance (in miles): 4.2 miles; walk intensity: leisurely
Available number of spaces: 10
Walk start point: Bridge at Southease
What3Words reference: ///computers.snowboard.swim
πŸ₯Ύ
Walk end point: Linklater Pavillion, Railway Land, Lewes
What3Words reference: ///conjured.monitors.musical

Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glimpses-of-the-lower-ouse-tickets-1996006002685

J o i n T h e R i v e r l u t i o n - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th SeptemberGote Barn, Gote Lane, Ringmer, BN8 5HXDaily...
26/08/2026

J o i n T h e R i v e r l u t i o n - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September
Gote Barn, Gote Lane, Ringmer, BN8 5HX
Daily 10:00 til 17:00

Another amazing event as part of our Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival, immersive yourself in:

πŸ’§πŸŽ¨ The Collective πŸŽ¨πŸ’§

🀍 Eclectic and interactive exhibition with over 20 artists across different mediums. It will include community project Conversations with Water bringing together memories, activism, exploration and our love of all things watery. πŸ’™ This year we are delighted to work with Love our Ouse who will be presenting the results of citizen science water testing along Glynde Reach. This will give a picture of the health of our local waters and indicate what is happening. πŸ’šThere is something for everyone and a warm welcome with Morris dancers, delicious tea and cake.

Glynde Reach talk: Sunday 20th 14:00
Booking: Free, drop in anytime

Image credit: Lisa Pritchard

J o i n T h e R e v o l u t i o n - Saturday 19th September3pm - 5.30pmLewes Town HallAnother amazing event at our River...
15/08/2026

J o i n T h e R e v o l u t i o n - Saturday 19th September
3pm - 5.30pm
Lewes Town Hall

Another amazing event at our Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival, join us at a special:

🐠🐟 Council of Beings 🐟🐠

Join us for a unique workshop in the grand Council Chamber at Lewes Town Hall!

πŸ’š In this immersive experience, you'll step into the role of a member of our wild community, representing a species and speaking on its behalf. πŸ’™ Together, we'll explore deliberative democracy from an ecocentric perspective, giving nature a voice in decision-making and discovering how consensus can shape more inclusive and sustainable outcomes. 🀍 Whether you're curious about new ways of thinking, passionate about the natural world, or simply intrigued by the idea of representing another living being, we invite you to be part of this thought-provoking and inspiring experience.

Suitable for all over 14+years (under 16yrs must be accompanied by an adult). No previous experience or knowledge required.

Free ticketed- booking essential:
πŸ’§ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/council-of-all-beings-tickets-1995989345864?aff=oddtdtcreator

Full festival programme:
https://loveourouse.org/riverlution-thriving-ouse-festival/

πŸ’§Yet another Parish Council signs up to represent the river! πŸ’§A MASSIVE thank you to Glynde and Beddingham Parish Counci...
12/08/2026

πŸ’§Yet another Parish Council signs up to represent the river! πŸ’§

A MASSIVE thank you to Glynde and Beddingham Parish Council for formally endorsing the Ouse River Rights Charter in their recent meeting.

By supporting the Charter, the Council affirms its commitment to promoting the health, resilience and ecological integrity of our river, recognising that thriving rivers are essential to both nature and the wellbeing of our residents, and deserve to be respected and considered in all decisions affecting their future.

Chair of Glynde & Beddingham Parish Council, Paolo De Paolis said:
"𝐼𝑑 𝑖𝑠 π‘π‘™π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’ 𝑖𝑠 π‘ π‘œπ‘šπ‘’π‘‘β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘” π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘‘π‘‘π‘’π‘› 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘ π‘‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’ π‘œπ‘“ π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘€π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘€π‘Žπ‘¦π‘ . 𝐺𝑙𝑦𝑛𝑑𝑒 π‘…π‘’π‘Žπ‘β„Ž 𝑖𝑠 π‘€π‘œπ‘£π‘’π‘› π‘–π‘›π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ β„Žπ‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘¦ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑦 π‘œπ‘“ π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘–π‘ β„Ž, 𝑖𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘£π‘–π‘™π‘™π‘Žπ‘”π‘’π‘  π‘œπ‘“ 𝐺𝑙𝑦𝑛𝑑𝑒 π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π΅π‘’π‘‘π‘‘π‘–π‘›π‘”β„Žπ‘Žπ‘š. 𝐡𝑦 π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘ π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘…π‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ 𝑂𝑒𝑠𝑒 πΆβ„Žπ‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘“ π‘…π‘–π‘”β„Žπ‘‘π‘ , 𝑀𝑒 π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘šπ‘Žπ‘˜π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘Ž π‘ π‘‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘šπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿ. π‘Šπ‘’ β„Žπ‘œπ‘π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘, π‘‘π‘œπ‘”π‘’π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘€π‘–π‘‘β„Ž π‘šπ‘Žπ‘›π‘¦ π‘œπ‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘™π‘œπ‘π‘Žπ‘™ π‘π‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘π‘–π‘™π‘ , π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘ π‘’π‘π‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘ 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 β„Žπ‘’π‘™π‘ π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘›π‘”π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘› π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘£π‘œπ‘–π‘π‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘™π‘™π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘‘π‘œ 𝑏𝑒 π‘π‘’π‘‘π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘‘π‘’π‘π‘‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ π‘‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘‘ π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘“π‘’π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘”π‘’π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘ ."

Glynde Reach the worst rated waterbody in the River Ouse catchment and has been part of a year long community testing programme to raise awareness and re-connect people with their local waterways.

Great article in the Sussex Express:
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world/glynde-beddingham-parish-council-joins-campaign-to-support-the-river-ouse-8845762

Read more about the Rights for the River Ouse:
https://loveourouse.org/rights-of-rivers/

J o i n T h e R i v e r l u t i o n - Saturday 19th SeptemberAll Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes BN7 2LE 11:00 - 13:30...
11/08/2026

J o i n T h e R i v e r l u t i o n - Saturday 19th September
All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes BN7 2LE
11:00 - 13:30

As part of our Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival, join us in loving our Ouse at:

πŸ’¦Voices of the Ouse 🌊
Conversations from across the Ouse communityβ€”those who represent, work alongside, and feel a deep connection to its waters. Discover stories of hope, and positive action, alongside honest conversations about the complex challenges. Contribute to the discussion, gain a deeper understanding and be empowered to become part of the Riverlution. πŸ€πŸ’™πŸ’š

Confirmed Speakers: Keynote from the Ouse, Peter King - Director at Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, Sam Pottier - South East Water, Harriet Truman - Wilder Ouse Officer, Harry Fishlock, Love our Ouse and more

Booking: Free - advance booking via the Eventbrite link below & tix on the door.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voices-of-the-ouse-tickets-1996786141100

Full festival details:
https://loveourouse.org/riverlution-thriving-ouse-festival/

Join the Riverlution this September!πŸ’¦ Be part of Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival to celebrate, learn and act for the...
08/08/2026

Join the Riverlution this September!

πŸ’¦ Be part of Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival to celebrate, learn and act for the River Ouse and its tributaries 🌊

The community festival taking place 19 - 27th September in Lewes and beyond and will be a series of events for local people and organisations to come together for a shared vision and collective action.

🀍Celebrate the incredible achievements of the pioneering River Rights Charter to date and be part of turning this powerful declaration into a game changing movement. πŸ’™Take part in local events and activities across the 9 days to explore our evolving relationship with nature on our doorstep. πŸ’šLearn about what we can all do to create a culture of care and be part of positive change for the benefit of all people and species we share this beautiful Ouse valley with.

🐟 A talks programme at All Saints will bring together key organisations and communities acting for the river
🐟 A very special β€˜Council of All Beings’ workshop in the Lewes Town Hall Council Chamber will bring the voices of the eel and kingfisher in our democratic forums.
🐟 Britain’s Hidden Fishes film screening at Depot will deep dive below the surface to learn about our incredible fish species and the plight of Ouse fish.
🐟 Community volunteers will be reporting on their year of testing on Glynde Reach - the poorest fairing Ouse tributary.
🐟 On the weekend of 26-27th to tie in with International Rivers Day; the Head of the Ouse boat race, Lewes Rowing Club Open Day and our community fun day full of watery activities, exhibition and river mapping!

Check our website for details on booking and get these amazing events in your calendar! There is something for everyone! ! πŸ’«

Beautiful artwork by Michelle Hockey.

Support & partners from Chalk Cliff Trust, South Downs National Park, Ouse Valley Climate Action, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust Lewes District Council, and The National Lottery Community Fund

J o i n T h e R i v e r l u t i o n !

https://loveourouse.org/riverlution-thriving-ouse-festival/

The groundswell continues! 🌊More Parish Councils are signing up to support the River Ouse Charter. In addition to the si...
07/08/2026

The groundswell continues! 🌊

More Parish Councils are signing up to support the River Ouse Charter. In addition to the signups last year, seven Parish Councils; Piddinghoe, Barcombe, Rodmell, Ringmer, Newhaven, Iford and Glynde and Beddingham have agreed to support the Charter and implement River Rights within their councils.

🐟🐠🐟🐠🐟🐠
To support Parish Councils in progressing River Rights and using the Charter, Love Our Ouse hosted a workshop in the Council Chamber at Lewes Town Hall on July 21 st and were joined by representatives from 17 Parish Councils in the Catchment. Newhaven Town Council couldn’t make it as they were holding their Council meeting in which they passed a motion to support the Charter! Congratulations to them. πŸ™Œ

As part of the workshop a Council of All Beings was held to consider how the river and all of its species as well as humans might respond to the development of 151 homes being planned in Hamsey near the North End Stream a chalk stream and spawning ground for the iconic Sea Trout. Through the lens of different species, participants were able to consider a planning issue from a nature-centric perspective.

There was enthusiasm in the room for progressing rights in a practical way at parish councils and for engaging communities on local river issues as well as for partnership work between the Parishes, especially at a time of local government reorganisation. πŸ€πŸ’šπŸ’™

Check out the workshop report & presentation:
https://loveourouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Parish-Council-Workshop-Report.pdf

https://loveourouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Parish-Council-Workshop-Rights-of-Rivers-Presentation-Slides.pdf

Thanks to Ouse Valley Climate Action & The National Lottery Community Fund for funding

Really important interview highlighting the extreme pressures our river and species are facing in light of our climate a...
03/08/2026

Really important interview highlighting the extreme pressures our river and species are facing in light of our climate and nature crisis. The constant fish death reports by local people is distressing and devastating. We must adapt faster and designate proper resourcing at the scale of the issue to develop greater local resilience. Everyone holds responsibly and can do something to be part of the culture of care to turn the tide on the health of the river on which we all depend.

Thank you Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust for getting this out in the mainstream media. Not enough is being reported in the impacts of wildlife.

Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust warns habitats are suffering after particularly dry weather in July.

A HUGE win for the River and Newhaven communities today where the Ouse meets the sea 🌊Newhaven Town Council has voted to...
24/07/2026

A HUGE win for the River and Newhaven communities today where the Ouse meets the sea 🌊

Newhaven Town Council has voted to officially endorse the River Rights Charter for the River Ouse. The motion, introduced by Councillor Harrison and seconded by Councillor L. Boniface, passed with full support from all members present. By adopting the Charter, the Council pledges to place the long-term health, biodiversity, and ecological recovery of the River Ouse at the heart of its future decision-making.

Mayor of Newhaven Cllr Mark Wardle comments:
'π‘‡β„Žπ‘’ π‘…π‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ 𝑂𝑒𝑠𝑒 β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  π‘ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘π‘’π‘€β„Žπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’π‘›β€™π‘  β„Žπ‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘¦, 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒, π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘€π‘Žπ‘¦ π‘œπ‘“ 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘”π‘’π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘ . 𝐡𝑦 π‘’π‘›π‘Žπ‘›π‘–π‘šπ‘œπ‘’π‘ π‘™π‘¦ π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘ π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘…π‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘…π‘–π‘”β„Žπ‘‘π‘  πΆβ„Žπ‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿ, π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘‡π‘œπ‘€π‘› πΆπ‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘π‘–π‘™ 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘Ž π‘π‘™π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿ π‘šπ‘’π‘ π‘ π‘Žπ‘”π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘™π‘œπ‘›π‘”-π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘š β„Žπ‘’π‘Žπ‘™π‘‘β„Ž π‘œπ‘“ π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘šπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ . π‘‡β„Žπ‘–π‘  π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘šπ‘–π‘‘π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘“π‘™π‘’π‘π‘‘π‘  π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘π‘’π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘šπ‘–π‘›π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘› π‘‘π‘œ π‘€π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘˜ π‘€π‘–π‘‘β„Ž π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ π‘–π‘‘π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘ , π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘–π‘‘π‘¦ π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘’π‘π‘ , π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘”π‘Žπ‘›π‘–π‘ π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘  π‘‘π‘œ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘‘π‘’π‘π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ π‘‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘–π‘  π‘£π‘–π‘‘π‘Žπ‘™ π‘›π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘™ π‘Žπ‘ π‘ π‘’π‘‘, π‘’π‘›π‘ π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘›π‘” 𝑖𝑑 π‘π‘Žπ‘› 𝑏𝑒 π‘’π‘›π‘—π‘œπ‘¦π‘’π‘‘ 𝑏𝑦 π‘“π‘’π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘”π‘’π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘  π‘Žπ‘  π‘šπ‘’π‘β„Ž π‘Žπ‘  𝑖𝑑 𝑖𝑠 π‘‘π‘œπ‘‘π‘Žπ‘¦.'

Their ambitious commitments to embed the rights show a pioneering and timely response to the state of our waterways. We look forward to collaborating and supporting the Council as needed.

Newhaven Town Council joins a growing list of Council endorsement joining Lewes District Council, Wealden District Council, Lewes Town Council , Hamsey Parish Council, Ringmer Parish Council, Barcombe Parish Council, Rodmell Parish Council & Piddinghoe Parish Council.

Rights for the River Ouse: https://loveourouse.org/rights-of-rivers/
NTC meeting minutes:https://www.newhaventowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/FC-Webpack-without-13-cover-210726.pdf

🌊Lewes truly does Love our Ouse! πŸ’™πŸ’šπŸ€Thank you so much to Waitrose & Partners shoppers for adding your green tokens to th...
19/07/2026

🌊Lewes truly does Love our Ouse! πŸ’™πŸ’šπŸ€

Thank you so much to Waitrose & Partners shoppers for adding your green tokens to the Community Matters fundraising pot in the last 3 months! We’re bowled over to have been the most popular choice among 3 fantastic causes ( and Raise Your Voice).

The £1500 will go to supporting our river work across the valley. 🌊

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