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
-
Organic Farm visit
Sat 6 June, 10:30, Rushmere Farm, near Hambledon
We shall be visiting an inspiring organic farm near Hambledon. As it states on their website: 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.
This visit costs £20 per attendee, payable via their website https://rushmerefarm.com/products/tour-organic-farm?variant=42436760207545 Please also email us (if you are a member) or via the contact us form on our website, so that we know how many are coming, and that they have all paid in advance. It will be well worth the money!'
Meet at The Cattleyard, Pit Hill Lane, Hambledon, PO7 4SG.
-
Recent talk: Save Our Soils!
23rd April 2026, James Skillicom
James’s talk informed and entertained us, backed up by a cast of live earthworms (no pun intended). The talk covered the lives and habits of earthworms and explained how we can all help, in practical and achievable ways, to arrest and reverse declining earthworm populations.
A full report will be posted shortly.
-
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.
-
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.
Buy less, Use less, Waste less
*
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.