With an iconic coastline, internationally important chalk grassland and a sprawling river network, Lewes constituency has some amazing places for wildlife. You can download the Lewes Constituency Map to look more closely.

We want the next government to commit to our top 5 priorities for action on nature. Here are some local examples of the importance of these priorities in your constituency.

Tackle the climate emergency

We know our seas are warming, with high sea-surface temperatures predicted to become commonplace by 2050. In Sussex, warming seas may cause marine animals and plants to relocate to cooler waters, changing the makeup of our undersea wildlife. This will almost certainly have knock-on implications for the wider ecosystem as well as commercially important fish species, although there are many unknowns. We need urgent action on climate change to reverse this trend and restoring nature can make a massive contribution.

End River Pollution and Water Scarcity

This constituency contains a much-loved and well-used coastline, but water pollution is impacting people and wildlife. It’s not just about sewage overflows, the way we manage our land and where and how we build affects what runs into our rivers and out into the sea. These sediments and pollutants combine with those caused by destructive activities in the water such as dredging and development, which creates poor water quality and can smother marine habitats, making it hard for wildlife to thrive. The Wilder Ouse project is working with landowners and communities to improve landscape connectivity for wildlife, enhance biodiversity and increase climate resilience for the Ouse river catchment.

Bring back the UK's lost wildlife

Locally designated sites, including Tide Mills Local Wildlife Site, are vital stepping stones for wildlife to move through Sussex's densely populated coastline. We know that to halt the decline in species, we need to make more space for nature. But shockingly, the areas that are already protected are still being lost. We need strong decision makers that defend our designated sites. We need 30% of land and sea protected and managed for nature by 2030.

Sussex Wildlife Trust members in this constituency: 3,540

Tell your election candidates you care about nature - we've set up a simple email action to help you contact all your election candidates and let them know why nature matters to you. Thank you for your support!