What We Do
A Growing Movement for People and Planet.
In less than a year, the People’s Park for Nature (PPN) has blossomed into a vibrant, community-led movement rooted in care for the land and each other.
What began as a shared vision has grown into a network of 80 members stewarding 30 Mini Parks across Lewes District.
Together, we now care for 130 acres of land, strengthening local ecosystems while deepening our sense of belonging to the places we love.
Nurturing Connection and Collaboration
At the heart of the PPN is a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and friendship. Our members include individuals, families, community groups, charities, businesses, parish councils, and sports clubs.
Through shared action, workshops, and open days, we’re rediscovering how community can lead the way in caring for the natural world—and how small acts of stewardship can create big change.
Rewilding Our Mini Parks
Across our 30 Mini Parks, people are reimagining what’s possible on balconies and rooftops, in gardens, orchards, fields, and woodlands. Each space contributes to a living mosaic of biodiversity and community care that makes up the People’s Park.
Together, members are planting wildflowers and native trees, restoring hedgerows, digging new ponds, experimenting with forest gardens, growing organic food, and creating greener built environments.
The PPN is supporting its members with advice, site visits, practical sessions, and workshops. Where possible we share tools and resources, including seeds, trees, bird boxes, pond liners, and guide books. We believe that every shared learning moment and community event strengthens the roots of this growing movement.
Investing in a Nature-Based Economy
As our network of people and places grows, so do opportunities for meaningful work that supports both people and wildlife across the Lower Ouse Valley. Our members are exploring new ideas — from coppicing and shepherding to biochar, wildflower seed production, and street-side food growing.
Together, we’re building a nature-based economy that restores the land and strengthens our communities.
Celebrating Local Wildlife
Our parks are alive with song and movement. Our citizen scientists have recorded 75 bird species, 9 bat species, and countless hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, and insect pollinators.
Members have installed bird boxes, insect hotels, log piles, ponds and amphibian shelters, ensuring that wildlife not only visits—but thrives. Through these small yet powerful actions, we’re creating a landscape where nature’s recovery is woven into the rhythm of community life.
Listening to Nature – Citizen Science in Action
We use citizen science for research and connection: with long-term monitoring helping us identify biodiversity gains as we progress through people listening, learning, and acting for nature together.
Through bioacoustic monitoring at nine sites, PPN members have logged more than 146,000 bird and bat calls, providing valuable insights into how our habitats are changing.
This shared research shows how simple steps—like adding water for insects or planting night-blooming flowers for moths—can make a meaningful difference.
Creative Ways to Connect
Connection is at the heart of everything we do. Members host bat nights, glow-worm walks, herb-growing workshops, poetry evenings, and open garden days, each event strengthening our collective bond with the land.
Whether through gardening, art, or simple observation, we’re showing that nature connection is not a task—it’s a joy, best experienced side by side.
Opening Spaces for Everyone
We believe nature belongs to everyone. Some of our Mini Parks are open to the public and many welcome visitors for community events. Several offer inclusive access for people with limited mobility or visual impairments.
This year, we partnered with OVESCO and the Railway Land Wildlife Trust to host the Eco Homes and Gardens event, opening members’ wild gardens to the public over three September weekends.
Every new path, open gate, and shared green space brings us closer to a district where everyone feels at home in nature.
Shared Stewardship and Community-Led Land Use
Many PPN members have committed land to shared stewardship, and half are exploring new models of community-driven land use. These commitments are reshaping how we think about access, care, and ecological responsibility.
Together, we’re building a future where land is cared for by the many, not the few, creating a lasting legacy of regeneration and connection.
Celebrating Together
From the Firle Garden Show to Lewes Climate Hub’s Nature Month, the PPN team have brought creative ideas and advice to local fairs, festivals, and community gatherings across the district.
Our stand and talks celebrate our shared potential to make the Lower Ouse Valley wilder. We inspire new members to join the movement by reminding ourselves that when we come together, we can make a big difference.
Looking Ahead
As our network deepens its roots, PPN is poised to expand its reach and impact.
In the months ahead, we’ll open more land for public experience, support richer habitats, and continue weaving stronger connections between people and the natural world.
Our vision is simple and shared: a future where people and nature thrive together, one Mini Park at a time.
Together we are making space for nature
Together, we’re growing something extraordinary —
a wilder, more connected future for people and nature.
Join us today and be part of the People’s Park for Nature.