The climate change and sustainability strategy
Biodiversity
We are working to protect, restore, and increase a resilient nature network across the district. We aim to positively impact biodiversity (20% biodiversity net gain) in the planning process, and retain and extend the UNESCO biosphere status of the Brighton and Lewes Living Coast.
Sussex Wildlife Trust
A conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex, focussed on protecting the rich natural life that is found across our towns, countryside and coast.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy
If you have a business, are a land manager or community organisation in our district, that's already active in nature's recovery, find out how you can add get involved.
Changing Chalk
Led by the National Trust, Changing Chalk is a landscape-scale partnership connecting nature, people and heritage on and around the South Downs.
Ouse Valley Climate Action (OVCA)
A National Lottery-funded programme bringing the community together to inspire positive action to mitigate the effects of climate change in the lower Ouse Valley and Havens.
Cockshut Stream Restoration Project
A partnership project that realigned the stream boosting the biodiversity and climate resilience of habitats. The reserve helps with flood management and carbon storage, but also allows the stream to flow naturally, unpolluted and with its native plants and wildlife protected.
The Cockshut Stream Restoration Project
Local climate hubs & community led projects
Local climate hubs and community led projects
Living Coast biosphere
A designated urban biosphere reserve, The Living Coast stretches between Newhaven and Shoreham-by-Sea in Sussex.
Gardening for wildlife
Learn how to provide food, shelter and breeding spots for the wildlife in your garden.
The National Biodiversity Network
A collaborative partnership created to exchange biodiversity information, with over 200 members and almost 200 million wildlife records available.
DEFRA: Biodiversity 2020
A strategy for England's wildlife and ecosystem services.
DEFRA Biodiversity 2020 (PDF, 2 MB)
Joint Nature Conservation Committee: UK Biodiversity Indicators 2023
The JNCC is the public body that advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK-wide and international nature conservation.
UK biodiversity indicators 2023
The National Trust: What is biodiversity?
Europe's largest conservation charity, looking after nature, beauty and history for the nation to enjoy.
National Trust - What Is Biodiversity?
Natural England: Biodiversity
The government's adviser for the natural environment, helping to protect England's nature and landscapes for people to enjoy.
WWF: Biodiversity
The world's leading independent conservation organisation.
For downloadable posters and worksheets go to WWF Biodiversity
LDC Biodiversity Strategy
LDC Biodiversity Strategy June 2021 (PDF, 670 KB)
This report covers Lewes District Council's first reporting period, from January 2024 - December 2025, and documents the policies and actions carried out to comply with the biodiversity duty: LDC Biodiversity Report 2024-25 (PDF, 4 MB)
LDC Pesticide Policy
Pesticide Policy (PDF, 284 KB)
Wilder Ouse
Wilder Ouse is bringing together people across the Ouse catchment to restore natural processes and create a robust Nature Recovery Network, with restored ecological connectivity, ecosystem function and climate resilience through nature-based solutions. To read more about the project and see the annual progress reports please visit the Wilder Ouse website.
