Love our Ouse and local partners have been awarded funds to deliver a festival in early 2025 dedicated to the Winterbourne Stream that flows through Lewes. The grant is supported by the National Trust and the Changing Chalk Community Grants Scheme, and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.

The project was conceived after mounting local enthusiasm, concern for the stream’s health and emerging restoration plans. Natasha Padbury, Love our Ouse Director, explained:

‘Despite the Winterbourne being central to Lewes life through the ages and being a globally rare chalk stream, we’ve found limited publications, artworks or focused civic cultural activities. We know locals connect with the stream in all kinds of ways and it feels long overdue to have a focused community effort on its behalf.’

The project will combine various artforms and events for the local community to take part in drawing upon the stream’s rich heritage, ecology and source of creative inspiration.

There will be a printed poetry booklet comprising a specially commissioned set of poems with lino print illustrations by local artists Chalk and Stream. Copies will be gifted to local schools and groups plus copies for purchase by the general public. Two free ticketed guided walks along the stream route will feature live poetry recitals.

A one-day public event at the Railway Land Wildlife Reserve, where the Winterbourne meets the Ouse, will exhibit themed art and talks programme will delve into the stream’s past, present day and future bringing together local experts and artists including historian Marcus Taylor, artist Michelle Hockey and photographer Adam Luszniak. A litter pick event will help invigorate community action.

A film screening of ‘Pure Clean Water’ at Depot about the history and degradation of the Cambridge chalk stream will spark post film discussion about the challenges and opportunities to restore the Winterbourne presented by key local stakeholders the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, Southdowns National Park and Lewes District Council.

Intrepid Productions will offer a bespoke drama club for local primary school-aged children enabling participants to devise and showcase story scenes and blessing offerings to the stream.

Natasha Padbury continued:

‘We are delighted to be able to give the Winterbourne Stream the pride of place it deserves in our hearts and landscape. We look forward to invigorating awareness and appreciation, fostering a more caring approach to nature on our doorstep and creating a creative legacy.’ 

Plans are underway. The poetry booklet will be available to purchase in time for Christmas. The Festival and the official booklet’s launch will take place in March 2025. Love our Ouse will be putting out a community call to contribute to the festival either because they have a special link already with the stream or want to volunteer.

More details to follow and how to get involved. Watch this space!