November 8th, 2025.



Lewes District Council has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change and restoring nature with the publication of its updated Climate and Nature Strategy.

The strategy and action plan outlines the council’s ambitious goal to become net zero carbon by 2030, both within its own operations and by showing leadership across the wider district.

The update highlights significant progress made since the strategy’s baseline year of 2018, including a 21.5% reduction in district-wide greenhouse gas emissions and a 77.5% drop in the council’s own net emissions. These reductions have been achieved following the decarbonisation of the council’s fleet, coupled with green electricity procurement and targeted sustainability initiatives.

Councillor Emily O’Brien, (pictured), Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature, and Food Systems, said: "We’re proud of the strides we’ve made, but we know there’s more to do.

“This strategy is a living document, one that reflects our evolving response to the climate emergency and our commitment to leaving a legacy of bold, community-driven action."

The document includes a range of local achievements and partnerships that are helping to build resilience and biodiversity by the council and across the district such as:

- The introduction of the UK’s first electric 10-tonne street sweeper

- Expansion of the e-cargo bike delivery service by Get Bikery

- Over 70 trees planted in Lewes town by Friends of Lewes

- 196 swift boxes installed to support local bird populations

- Solar panels and batteries installed on council homes

- Award-winning restoration of the Cockshut stream

- Launch of the Lewes Food Partnership’s three-year strategy

- River Ouse Rights of River Charter

Councillor O’Brien added: "This strategy isn’t just about reducing emissions, it’s about creating healthier, fairer communities.

“These achievements show what’s possible when councils, residents, and partners work together."

To view the full strategy and action plan, visit the council website at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk


LDC Cabinet councillors have also agreed a comprehensive Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) aimed at tackling air pollution across the district.

The plan, developed in partnership with East Sussex County Council and other stakeholders, sets out a framework of targeted measures to improve air quality in key areas, including Newhaven ring road and Lewes town centre.

The AQAP focuses on five strategic themes: promoting alternatives to private vehicle use, encouraging active travel and public transport, enhancing public information, improving transport planning and infrastructure, and implementing effective traffic management. These measures are designed to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, the primary pollutant of concern in the district, which is mainly generated by traffic.

Councillor Emily O’Brien said: "This is a vital step forward for the health and wellbeing of our residents. Cleaner air means healthier lives, and this plan shows our commitment to delivering meaningful change in partnership with our communities."

The plan incorporates feedback from a public consultation held in spring 2025. It also outlines ongoing monitoring of School Hill in Lewes, where elevated NO2 levels were recorded in 2024 - the council will continue working with East Sussex County Council to assess traffic data and determine appropriate interventions in this location.

Councillor O’Brien added: "By taking action now, we’re not only meeting our legal duties, but also creating a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for Lewes district."

The AQAP will be reviewed annually and integrated into the emerging Lewes Local Plan, aligning with planning policies on health, pollution, and sustainable design.

To view Air Quality Action Plan please visit: www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk