ERA - Eco Rother Action
We are an independent climate change response group based in the villages between Petersfield and Midhurst
We host excellent talks, carry out local environmental work and bring people together
Join us to push for positive change
In brief
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Himalayan Balsam pulling
Sun 14 June, 10am
As ever, our first Himalayan Balsam pulling event of the year will be in Trotton in Great Big Green Week. Meet at the wildflower meadow: https://w3w.co/exploring.outwards.regularly. Please wear sturdy shoes, and trousers that don’t mind the occasional bramble or nettle. Bring gardening gloves if you have them, but we also have some to lend. Balsam pulling is easy, sociable and very, very satisfying! The more pullers, the greater the impact we can have on this Invasive Non-Native Species, so do please come and join us. More dates to follow.
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Recent event: Organic Farm visit
Sat 6 June, Rushmere Farm, near Hambledon
Rushmere Farm exists to demonstrate that organic farming can be productive, profitable and regenerative at the same time.
They farm in the South Downs National Park taking a long-term view. Their aim is to grow high-quality, nutrient-dense food while rebuilding soil, increasing biodiversity and storing carbon. Their land is farmed not just for yield, but for lasting ecological and human health.
They believe organic farming is not a niche alternative. It is a serious, commercially viable model capable of feeding people well while restoring the natural systems that agriculture depends on.
Intermittent rain didn't dampen our spirits as we listened to George from Rushmere Farm explaining how he is managing his organic farm. There were so many questions and such rich discussion that we kept George far too long!
See a further report on our events page.
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ERA sponsored riverside walk
19 April
Our 2026 sponsored walk took place on 19th April, walking from Woolbeding bridge to Stedham alongside the river, on a glorious April day.
It’s not too late to sponsor someone or donate, if you wish, on our GoFundMe page.
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Most recent book club book: Clearing the Air by Hannah Ritchie
This is the second book that we have read by this author and we thoroughly enjoyed it. To quote one of our group, ‘if I had a Christmas card list I might just add her to it!’
Hannah Ritchie is using data to fight climate pessimism / denial / fatalism etc. She knows that we have to act, and fast, but that this is possible. We know what needs to be done, we have the tools already and we need to do it now
People’s Emergency Briefing followup
Many thanks to all who came to the showing of the People’s Emergency Briefing film in Nyewood on 9th June.
We will publish a full summary shortly, but there are some things that you can do right away.
If you have not responded to the survey about the film, you can do so on this link (you need to report your feelings before the film, and after):
If you are encouraging friends to view the film themselves, you can find a map showing all planned and past viewings here:
If you want to sign the government petition requesting a national screening of the film on TV:
The briefings themselves are on Youtube. You can read ERA’s summary of each briefing and find a link to the original briefing on Youtube here.
For lots more information about the nationwide emergency campaign see here.
Our E. coli project
We are investigating E.coli levels in the River Rother and its tributaries as it flows from Petersfield to Midhurst. We use a Fluidion Alert One analyser to assess the E.coli levels in our water samples. These bacteria levels are an indicator of water quality, with high levels being a potential health risk and having the potential to be harmful to the environment.
Buy less, Use less, Waste less
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Buy less, Use less, Waste less *
Global issue, local response
ERA relies on membership fees - £5 a year per person – and donations to fund our activities. These include buying seeds and trees, setting up a testing system on the River Rother, running costs such as village hall hire, website costs, insurance etc. We are looking for a local business or individual to sponsor this website. If that interests you, please get in touch! Your name could appear here on the home page. Alternatively, if you would like to join others who have already made a donation towards ERA projects, please contact us for bank details. Your help makes a real difference.