Lewes District Council

08/09/2026

07/09/2026

Today, Government announced it has paused Local Government Reorganisation and will review LGR decisions in many areas, including East Sussex.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

“Today's announcement is another twist in a process that has already caused a great deal of uncertainty for residents. People deserve clear answers about what comes next and how any review will affect our communities.

“Last year saw local elections for East Sussex County Council cancelled and then reinstated, and now the entire Local Government Reorganisation programme is being reviewed.

“In Lewes district, we've been asking the Minister to explain the decision to separate East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe from the rest of our district and transfer them into Brighton & Hove, despite overwhelming opposition from local people. We have not yet received those answers. Today’s announcement only provides us with more uncertainty which is frustrating and unsettling for residents who simply want to know what the future holds for their communities.

“We will continue to work with our partners across East Sussex to understand the implications of this announcement and make sure local voices are heard throughout the review. Above all, our focus remains on serving residents and delivering the services people rely on every day.”

07/09/2026

From the South Downs National Park team:

“Autumn is my season, dear. It is, after all, the season of the soul”

Famous words from the celebrated writer Virginia Woolf, who retreated to the South Downs for her literary inspiration and loved long tranquil walks in the chalk downland.

Woolf linked the transitioning nature of autumn to a deeper inner calmness. The approaching season really can be a wonderful time to enjoy gentle activities that soothe the soul before the bite of winter hits.

September and October are particularly lovely months in the National Park and, after a scorcher of a summer, most of us will appreciate some cooler, rainier days with some autumn mists, muddier tracks and stunning sunsets. Due to the intense heatwaves and drought, the National Park is not alone in experiencing a “false autumn”, with many crunchy leaves already on the ground and trees putting on a show of brown and orange hues.

We’re sharing five restoring activities to really appreciate the magic of this time of the year in the South Downs National Park.

With so much woodland, the spectacle of colour in the South Downs never fails to disappoint and it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy some photography, whether flying solo or with friends or family.

Entries close for the National Park’s photo competition on 31 October, so there’s still plenty of time to enter the competition for a chance to win £250.

This year the theme is “Serene South Downs: Back to Nature” and judges will be looking for breathtaking images that celebrate the National Park’s serenity and those moments of slowing down and taking stock. As always there will be a dedicated wildlife and youth category, as well as a new special monochrome category, supported by Rachael Talibart’s f11 Workshops.

Renowned Brighton-based photographer Finn Hopson, who is one of the competition judges, shared some tips for autumnal photography.

He said: “For maximum serenity it may be worth heading out when the wind drops, or when there may be a bit of magical mist floating around.

“Get out early, stay out late. There’s nothing quite like being the only one watching the sun come from the top of the Downs, or having the woods all to yourself on a peaceful morning. Similarly there is plenty of serenity to be found overnight, with the moon, the Milky Way or just a few nightjars for company.

“It’s worth learning more about the flora and fauna in your local area. Paying attention to the smaller details and noticing seasonal change can be a wonderful mindful practice and can bring a deeper appreciation of the quieter aspects of the landscape.”

Acclaimed photographer Carlotta Luke, who is based in Lewes and is also one of the judges, said lighting was key and later morning or earlier evening “golden hours” made autumn a superb time to capture stunning photography.

“I would say that the best time to photograph the landscape is both early and late in the day when the sun is low on the horizon,” she said.

“When it is high, the light becomes flat and harsh and shadows become too dark to read in a photograph. Low sunlight creates shadows and contours of the landscape that make for more interesting photographs. It can help give a sense of atmosphere.”

You can enter the competition here: www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo-comp/

Picture credits:
Autumn Path by Christopher Pearson
The Long Man of Wilmington by Verity Stannard
Autumn Gold by Lorraine Heaysman

06/09/2026

There's a screening of the National Emergency Briefing in the Reading Room, Glynde at 19:00 on 15 September. Seating is limited so booking is essential. Link in the comments for further information and to book 👇

After the film, there will be an open discussion about what it means locally and what action can be taken.

National Emergency Briefing is a film, presented by Chris Packham, to raise awareness of the implications of climate and nature breakdown for health, food systems, national security and the economy.

Communities and organisations are using a free-to-screen 50-minute film, based on the Westminster event, to brief the UK public about the climate and nature crisis.

You can find other screenings happening in Lewes district using the interactive National Emergency Briefing Screening Map (link in comments)

05/09/2026

Celebrate, learn about, and take action for the River Ouse and its tributaries at Riverlution by Love Our Ouse, taking place from 19 to 27 September. This community festival brings people together to explore how we can create a culture of care and positive change for the benefit of the river, local communities, and wildlife.

Events throughout the week include a screening of Britain’s Hidden Fishes, volunteer-led insights into water quality monitoring on Glynde Reach, guided walks, and opportunities to get involved in practical conservation activities.

The festival concludes over the International Rivers Day weekend (26 to 27 September) with a range of family-friendly events, including the Head of the Ouse boat race, Lewes Rowing Club Open Day, and Community River Day.

Visitors can learn about the pioneering River Rights Charter, contribute to community river mapping, enjoy talks and creative activities, and relax with tea and cake.

More info: Love Our Ouse

04/09/2026

The landmark Wellbeing Square in Newhaven officially opened its doors yesterday (3 September), bringing modern, integrated and purpose built health and wellbeing facilities to the centre of the town.

The former cluster of vacant and under used buildings has been transformed into a modern health hub that brings together primary care, community wellbeing and leisure services in one connected location.

Led by Lewes District Council, the £21 million project makes full use of council‑owned town centre properties to revitalise healthcare provision in Newhaven. The project has been delivered with funding from the UK Government and Lewes District Council. The completed scheme includes two state‑of‑the‑art GP practices, a new pharmacy, and an extension to Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre operated by Wave Active, creating a unique environment where healthcare, wellbeing and community services are delivered side‑by‑side.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

“Opening Wellbeing Square and giving life to this fantastic new health hub is a major milestone in the history of the town and very proud moment for Lewes District Council. This stunning new hub delivers the high quality, modern healthcare environment that residents so richly deserve.

“Not only is it transformational for people living in Newhaven but is also central to our wider regeneration plans. My grateful thanks to all our partners, my councillor colleagues and council officers for turning our ambition into a stunning reality for the town.”

Both GP surgeries had formerly been operating from old and increasingly unsuitable buildings. The new premises provide additional consultation and treatment rooms, improved reception and waiting areas, and enhanced staff facilities. The modern facilities will greatly improve patient experience and support the growing healthcare demand in Newhaven.

Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer for Sussex and Surrey, said:

“The opening of Wellbeing Square is a significant milestone for local people and a fantastic example of what we can achieve when organisations work together around the needs of their communities. By bringing GP services, a pharmacy, fitness and wellbeing facilities, and community spaces together in one location, this hub makes it easier for people to access support closer to home and at the right time.

“This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood approach we want to see more of across Surrey and Sussex, where health services, local partners and communities come together to help people stay well, tackle health inequalities and support healthier lives. We are proud to have been part of this development and look forward to seeing the positive difference it makes for Newhaven residents for many years to come.”

Working hand-in-hand with Wave Active and an expanded Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, Wellbeing Square brings to life the government’s ambition for treatment and illness prevention in the community.

Duncan Kerr, Chief Executive of Wave Active, said:

“Co locating health and wellbeing under one roof will allow us to support residents in a much more holistic way. From rehabilitation and activity programmes to preventative health initiatives, this hub gives us the space and facilities to expand what we offer and collaborate with our primary care partners, supporting rehabilitation, preventative and sustainable health programmes and healthier lifestyles for residents.”

In addition to the creation of fantastic new GP surgeries, the project - delivered with funding from Lewes District Council and the UK Government - has seen extensive lighting upgrades to Dacre Road Car Park, the installation of a new roof on the former Co op Unit (now Quayside Surgery), and the building of a new link bridge that provides a seamless connection between primary care and the wellbeing services delivered by Wave Active.

Paul Moore, GP at Quayside Medical Practice, said:

“At a time when general practice is in crisis, nationally, through years of under-investment, we are excited to be able to offer our service in beautiful new premises.
“The opportunity to develop our practice is no longer constrained by lack of space, and co-locating with Wave Active will help our community explore ways to find health through activity.”

04/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Havens Food Cooperative on winning an International Green Apple Environment Award!

Selected from more than 700 entries worldwide in the Food Waste Prevention category, this achievement recognises the team's work rescuing surplus food, reducing waste, and supporting communities across East Sussex.

Established in 2020, Havens Food Cooperative runs 365 days a year from its central pantry on Thompson Road, Denton. Supported by a dedicated team of over 45 volunteers it collects surplus stock, short-dated goods, and 'wonky' produce from 21 supermarkets. The rescued food is shared directly through the daily pantry and distributed to 17 local pop-up pantries, youth organisations, social clubs, and food banks across the Lewes District.

This award is a testament to the dedication of manager Paula Woolven BEM, the staff team, volunteers, and retail partners who make this vital work possible every day.

We wish the team the very best as they head to the House of Lords in November, where they'll discover whether they've achieved Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Green Champion status.

04/09/2026

Artwave, the largest visual arts festivals in the South East, is setting sail for French shores, showcasing a brand new travelling exhibition on the waves!

Now in its 33rd year, Artwave has expanded its list of more than 170 artist venues to include its first ever sea-going exhibition, aboard the Newhaven to Dieppe cross-Channel ferry.

The only cross-Channel passenger route in Sussex will be exhibiting a selection of artwork across all of its DFDS ferry crossings throughout the festival, which returns from 5 – 20 September.

Connecting hundreds of artists and makers with more than 60,000 visitors each year, the festival features a multitude of free-to-visit exhibitions across the Lewes district, with venues ranging from artist studios, potteries and private homes, to farms, churches and even disused windmills.

Organised by Lewes District Council and Visit Lewes, the festival also features a series of artistic trails around Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven, and surrounding villages.

Lewes District Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism & Leisure, Councillor Johnny Denis said “Artwave is a wonderful expression of visual arts across the Lewes District and is our way of championing the incredible local talent within the towns and villages that make up this creative corner of Sussex.

“As we approach the Year of the Normans in 2027, we are delighted to be working with our colleagues at DFDS to bring a flavour of Lewes District’s unbridled originality, connecting Sussex landscapes with French shores, in what we hope will be an inspirational exhibition for travellers and building a creative connection for years to come.”

Festival-goers can pick up or download the Artwave brochure now to view the many venues and trails available to visit across the 16-day festival.

Sponsored by Gorringe's, the Lewes auction house will also be joining in the festival, showcasing a special exhibition of works by Lord Gage whose ancestral home is within the District at Firle Place.

This year’s festival is accompanied by several fringe events including Foodwave – a new food festival featuring markets, workshops, talks, supper clubs and an independent food trail, organised by the Common Cause Co-operative.

A new lightbox exhibition titled ‘Working Lewes’, will also be illuminated in windows across the town featuring 80 archive photographs from Edward Reeves Photography. The town-wide exhibition will display a unique record of ordinary and extraordinary working lives – from gravedigger to bird stuffer and cricket bat maker.

Find out more via the link in the comments!

04/09/2026

You no longer need to own a car to have easy access to one!

A community car club vehicle is now available at Steyning Avenue Car Park in Peacehaven, thanks to Co Wheels Car Club.

Co Wheels is a pay-as-you-go car rental service, giving you flexible access to a vehicle by the hour or day.

Fuel, insurance and maintenance are included, making it ideal for those times when you need to hop in a car to get where you’re going.

Find other locations and membership details via the link in the comments.

03/09/2026

Starting next week, we will be installing a new crash barrier and replacing the height limit barrier at Baston Steps car park. We will also be installing a new crash barrier at Roderick Avenue South car park.

The work will start on Monday 7 September and both car parks will be closed for up to 14 days.

The nearest alternative car parks are Steyning Avenue and Roderick Avenue North.

Vehicle access for residents reaching their properties via Roderick Avenue South car park will be maintained at all times.

These works form part of a wider programme to improve accessibility and declutter the coastal path landscape.