CPRE Sussex

13/06/2026

For when sunny days return here’s how to make refreshing, non-alcoholic elderflower fizz. Pick two large elderflower heads in full bloom from one of our wonderful Sussex hedgerows. Add to 4.5 litres of water, with 225 grams of white sugar, juice of a lemon and two tablespoons of white wine vinegar. After 24 hours strain into old clean fizzy drink bottles. Store for two weeks in a cool place. Open with care and enjoy over summer.

12/06/2026

The appeal hearing in the hugely controversial Cuckstye development began earlier this week, and our long-term planning volunteer and Cuckstye expert Michael Brown gave a statement on the behalf of CPRE Sussex, and at the request of Ansty and Cuckfield Parish councils.

We were thrilled last year when the Planning Committee of Mid Sussex District Council voted to reject this appalling proposal, but unsurprised when the developers chose to appeal. The hearing is running between now and the 24th of June, over 10 working days.

We will be following closely - we have vehemently opposed this site from the beginning and the besieged residents of Ansty and Cuckfield have our full support.

You can read Michael's statement here:

CPRE Sussex is working to enhance, promote and protect our countryside. Love Sussex's beautiful rural areas? Find out more and get involved.

11/06/2026

Open Farm Sunday is farming’s annual open day. If you missed the first Open Farm Sunday this month, there’s still an opportunity to visit a farm near Lewes on 14 June and discover more about farming and the countryside.
Activities include watching cows being milked, meeting calves and lambs and viewing machinery.
Find out more at: https://farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm/search?location=®ion=South+East&farmName=

10/06/2026

That's a wrap on this year's Tree Festival! Thank you to all who joined one of our events. Over the past few weekends, it's been a pleasure to celebrate trees all over Sussex - as well as meet so many of you!

The Sussex countryside is a special thing that we want to be here for generations to come - and the presence of trees are a fundamental part of that legacy. Thanks for helping us to celebrate the role of trees in our lives and to defend the Sussex countryside.

See a photo gallery of the Festival here:

CPRE Sussex is working to enhance, promote and protect our countryside. Love Sussex's beautiful rural areas? Find out more and get involved.

09/06/2026

We have objected to proposals for a solar farm at Cowfold, Horsham district. As Dr Roger Smith, CPRE Sussex trustee and planning lead says, this proposed scheme "has the potential to cause considerable harm to the amenity of nearby residents and to the natural environment and landscape."

Read our full objection here: https://www.cpresussex.org.uk/news/solar-farm-at-cowfold-risks-damaging-local-amenity/

Is this proposal near you? Have you objected? Let us know what you think.

CPRE Sussex is working to enhance, promote and protect our countryside. Love Sussex's beautiful rural areas? Find out more and get involved.

05/06/2026

Why not join a Tree Festival 2026 event this weekend? Explore Church Wood, Hastings on Saturday 6 June, 10.30 or 12.30 – see: www.cpresussex.org.uk/tf26/exploring-church-wood/

On Sunday 7 June 1pm, Bexhill-on-Sea, there’s free drop-in art: design and construct your very own mini tree!
Go to: www.cpresussex.org.uk/tf26/my-trees-amazing/

In Lewes, Sunday 7 June, 2pm join Michael Blencowe, renowned Sussex naturalist, for a family-friendly talk/guided walk to discover the amazing wildlife in our woods: www.cpresussex.org.uk/tf26/who-lives-in-the-trees/

CPRE Sussex is working to enhance, promote and protect our countryside. Love Sussex's beautiful rural areas? Find out more and get involved.

05/06/2026

The CPRE Sussex team includes a brilliant band of volunteers. They have fought planning applications and pressed for local plans to protect our countryside. They have acted as trustees; organised a Countryside Day and Tree Festival; posted on social media; planted hedgerows and much more, Thank you, volunteers! You are essential members of the team. If you’d like to join us, go to: www.cpresussex.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/

03/06/2026

Another Tree Festival event that we're excited for - join us this Sunday in Lewes for a lovely walk and talk with the fantastic, renowned Sussex naturalist Michael Blencowe!

Come join us for a family-friendly talk and guided walk on the Railway Land Nature Reserve. Find out about the amazing wildlife that live in our woods and how trees support so many different lives – including ours!

Tickets are £8 for adults and children go free! Book here - www.cpresussex.org.uk/tf26/who-lives-in-the-trees/

30/05/2026

Discover Arundel’s amazing trees! Join Arundel’s tree enthusiasts for a guided walk to see the important trees in this beautiful ancient market town. Walks at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm on Sunday 31 May. The event is part of the Tree Festival 2026, celebrating the joy and value of our Sussex trees. The Festival is brought to you by CPRE Sussex, volunteers and local groups. See details and sign up: www.cpresussex.org.uk/tf26/discover-arundels-amazing-trees/

28/05/2026

If during the hot weather you’ve welcomed the shade trees offer, why not celebrate the joy and value of our Sussex trees at a Tree Festival 2026 event. You can explore a world of trees on the ‘One Garden’ walk in Brighton on Saturday, May 30 at 10.30am. With two brilliant leaders, you’ll travel the world and meet some amazing trees along the way! The Festival is brought to you by CPRE Sussex, volunteers and local groups.

See details and sign up at:

CPRE Sussex is working to enhance, promote and protect our countryside. Love Sussex's beautiful rural areas? Find out more and get involved.