The Growing Project at the Downs Leisure Centre

Exciting news! Plans to create a community garden and orchard at the Downs Leisure Centre have been approved by Lewes District Council. The Growing Project is a three-year strategy developed by the Friends of Sutton Downs and involving the local community in making space for nature.

Our health is inextricably linked to nature – diversity of wildlife is essential for the water we drink, air we breathe and food we eat. The UK’s natural biodiversity is in dramatic decline, with ecosystems that support us becoming increasingly fragile. Loss of nature is not only a disaster for animals and plants, but for humans too. We need to change this, and with urgent conservation action we can!

Urban gardens and community greenspaces have a lot of potential to support nature and wildlife, and the Downs is no exception. As part of The Growing Project the council will seed wildflower areas to encourage biodiversity and mow paths for people to enjoy walks around the grounds. Earlier this winter, together with Trees for Seaford, we planted seven trees in the car park verges that, left uncut, will permit the flora and fauna to thrive undisturbed.

How we produce and consume food is a major climate issue. Industrial agriculture is a cause of habitat destruction and species decline, and sustaining global supply chains has a huge carbon footprint. The UK imports around £8 billion of fruit and vegetables each year whilst studies suggest allotments and community gardens can play an important role in meeting that demand at a local scale. The community garden and orchard at the Downs presents our community with an opportunity to grow and enjoy seasonal, organic fruit, vegetables and herbs, nurturing nature and ourselves in years to come.

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It’s said that ‘gardening adds years to your life and life to your years’, and as the pandemic exacts a toll on physical and mental health, and the cost-of-living crisis begins to bite, the potential health and economic gains of community food growing may have even greater value and importance for us. Improving the ecology of our town and its green spaces looks like a win-win - we need nature in our neighbourhood and nature needs these spaces.

We are looking for people who can help bring this project to life. If you enjoy gardening, or want to share or learn how to get outdoors more, meet people, or simply get involved, please get in touch – we want to hear from you! Email: friendsofsuttondowns@gmail.com or visit: www.seafuture.org/friends-of-sutton-downs/

Can you turn this space into a productive garden for the community? Get in touch! Walk & Talk at the Downs – drop by and find out more about the Growing Project: 10am, 1st Tuesday each month.