Welcome to the Herstmonceux Parish Council's Climate Change Page. Here, we aim to inform, engage, and inspire our community to take meaningful action against the challenges posed by climate change.

As a parish nestled in the heart of East Sussex, Herstmonceux is not immune to the global environmental shifts impacting our planet. From rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events to shifting ecosystems, climate change poses a significant threat to our local landscape, economy, and quality of life. But with collective action, we can make a positive difference.

Our goal is to foster a sustainable, resilient future for Herstmonceux, working alongside residents, businesses, and local organisations to reduce our carbon footprint, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the wellbeing of current and future generations. On this page, you'll find useful resources, updates on council initiatives, and practical steps you can take to help combat climate change in our community.

Climate change is not just a future problem – it's happening now. From unpredictable weather patterns affecting agriculture to flooding risks, every aspect of our lives can be touched by its impacts. The good news is, even small changes can have a big impact. Together, we can reduce our energy consumption, protect our local environment, and create a more sustainable way of living.

Herstmonceux Parish Council is committed to tackling climate change. We're actively exploring ways to support green initiatives, and encourage eco-friendly practices in everyday council business life.

We are working closely with the wonderful new, Greening Herstmonceux initiative. To find out more, click here

We'll be regularly updating the Greening Herstmonceux page with news, events, and ideas that help us all work towards a greener, more sustainable future.

To follow the District Council's information page please click here

What change will you make?

Calculate your impact then choose and track challenges to help reduce your environmental footprint with WWF's My Footprint App

Whether it's adopting energy-saving habits at home, supporting local sustainable businesses, or joining community efforts to improve local green spaces, every action counts. Together, we can build a resilient, climate-conscious community.

We invite you to stay engaged, share your ideas, and join the conversation through Greening Herstmonceux Forum. Let's unite in taking positive steps to tackle climate change and protect the beauty and wellbeing of Herstmonceux for generations to come.

The New Duty on Parish Councils to Consider Biodiversity: A Crucial Step for Conservation

With the growing recognition of the importance of protecting biodiversity to combat climate change and preserve our natural heritage, new legislation now places a legal duty on parish councils across the UK to actively consider biodiversity in their decision-making processes.

This new duty, introduced as part of the Environment Act 2021, requires local councils, including parish councils, to take biodiversity into account when carrying out their functions. This means that when making decisions about planning, land management, and local services, councils must consider the potential impact on local wildlife and natural habitats.

The goal of this duty is to ensure that biodiversity is integrated into all aspects of local governance, from the creation of new developments to the maintenance of public spaces. For parish councils, this could mean ensuring that green spaces are maintained and enhanced in ways that support wildlife, promoting the use of native plants in public areas, and encouraging local residents to adopt biodiversity-friendly practices.

This new responsibility offers parish councils a unique opportunity to lead the way in promoting sustainability at the community level. Councils are in a strong position to influence how land is managed, how spaces are developed, and how local people engage with their environment. By prioritising biodiversity, parish councils can not only help protect local ecosystems but also improve the quality of life for their communities, from cleaner air and water to greater access to nature.

The duty to consider biodiversity aligns with broader efforts to address the climate crisis and reverse the decline of species across the country. Local action can make a meaningful difference, particularly in areas where local communities have a strong connection to their natural surroundings.

For parish councils, this new duty represents a shift towards more sustainable and nature-conscious decision-making. It provides an opportunity to work alongside residents, local organisations, and environmental groups to enhance and protect biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations.

By embracing this responsibility, parish councils can play an important role in the broader movement towards a more sustainable and biodiverse future.