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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Next Talk: Sustainable and wildlife gardening in our changing climate
26 March, 7pm, Henry Warren Hall, Nyewood
Beverly Exall will talk about how to increase wildlife habitats in our gardens and the benefits that will bring; what planting changes we can make to support wildlife; how to improve the health of your soil and why that is so important; and how to prepare your garden for the changing climate and make it more sustainable.
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Last ERA talk: Marine Rewilding at Sussex Bay
Sussex Bay supports nature recovery across the Sussex coast, from Selsey Bill to Camber Sands, including the marine area out to 12 nautical miles. Dean Spears, CEO, introduced us to this inspirational marine rewilding project which serves to underline the importance of keeping our River Rother healthy, as what starts here ends up there!
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ERA Engaging with Our MP
At the end of January members of ERA’s E.coli testing team were pleased to be joined by Andrew Griffith MP as they took a sample of river water from the Rother, near Rogate, and prepared the sample for E.coli testing.
Read about this and other thoughts from our members here, to have a look through the last three-plus years of local voluntary work in support of our river, landscape, wildlife and the climate. Find out here what happens to waste water, how a local rewilded farm works, facts (a lot) about micro- and nanoplastics, how to prepare incredible plant based food and much more…
See also Actions for accounts of the most hands-on of ERA activities!
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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
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.
A new initiative to help green your home
My Home Made Better is for homeowners across Hampshire, and - we have been told - just over the border in Sussex.
Led by experienced energy advisers at the Environment Centre (tEC), and partnering with PeCAN, WinACC and Energy Alton, My Home Made Better recognises that generic information on heat pumps, insulation and solar panels isn’t enough, and that householders need relatable guidance unique to their home and circumstances.
Follow this link to find out how you can gain access to this help.
Buy less, Use less, Waste less
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Buy less, Use less, Waste less *
Environmental and community networking
ERA is happy to work closely with other like-minded local groups, including PeCAN, Mi-CAN, HartingCAN, Growing Together(formerly the East Hampshire Self Sufficiency group), Women of This Town (WOTT), Energise South Downs, Alton Climate Action Network, Community Energy South, Hangers Environmental Network, green and climate groups at local u3as – the list keeps growing.
For information about recurring and one-off events that might interest you, please click here.
Why not kick off the new year with a fresh pop-up lunch - or three - at the bright and sunny(!) Henry Warren Hall, Nyewood?
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.