We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of West Sussex, surrounded by the rolling South Downs and the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In Horsham District, we have several landscape-wide initiatives to protect biodiversity and our natural world, such as the Local Nature Recovery Strategy in West Sussex, Wilder Horsham District, Weald to Waves and The Wildways Project.
Why biodiversity matters
Biodiversity is the variety of life in our world, from plants and animals to fungi and microorganisms. Healthy habitats support a wide range of species, help to store carbon, and contribute to cleaner air and water.
By improving our local habitats, we not only boost biodiversity but also help tackle climate change.
Everyone can contribute to supporting a healthier environment and richer biodiversity. Whether you’re planting wildflowers, joining a local group, or simply letting your garden grow wild, your actions matter.
Top tips to help support nature
- Let your lawn grow: Join Plantlife’s No Mow May Movement and let wildflowers like daisies, dandelions, and clovers flourish. This simple act isn’t about never mowing – just finding the right time for it so that it can support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Plant native species: Choose plants that are native to Sussex to provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
- Create habitats: Build bug hotels and bird boxes, install a bird bath or pond, or leave a log pile in your garden to attract a variety of creatures.
- Reduce chemical use: Avoid pesticides and herbicides, which can harm beneficial insects and soil health.
Get involved with your local biodiversity groups
Wilder Horsham District
Working with the Sussex Wildlife Trust to provide landowner advice, and lead working parties for improving habitats. Funding available and volunteers welcome.
- horsham.gov.uk/climate-and-environment/climate-action-across-the-district/wilder-horsham-district
- sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/wilderhorshamdistrict
Weald to Waves
Register your garden on their Gardens and Greenspaces network to create vital stepping stones for wildlife.
Sussex Green Living
Their mission is to educate, inspire and empower the people of Sussex (and beyond!) to live in greater harmony with the natural world.
Billingshurst
BIlliGreen
Horsham
Horsham Green Spaces Forum
20 organisations with an interest and involvement in the town’s green spaces, including supporting the Wildways project.
Wild about Warnham
Nuthurst
Nuthurst Carbon Busters
Steyning
Abbey Road Conservation Group
Greening Steyning
Steyning Community Orchard
Steyning Downland Scheme
Steyning for Trees
Pulborough/ Storrington/ Washington
The Sussex Wildlife Trust Storrington & Arun Valley Regional Group
Storrington Conservation Society
Sandgate Conservation Society
The White Stork Project