About me..
Welcome to my ’sustainability blog’ – find out what I’ve been up to as Wealden’s Sustainability Champion, what’s on my mind, and please send me your comments and ideas. 
As Wealden District Council’s Sustainability Champion since May 06, I’ve been attempting to construct a blog since about September 06…
I am: mum to two gorgeous daughters, wife of Naval barrister, District Councillor (Conservative), nature lover, gardener, fond of horses, very fond of my friends and family and of where I live – the hinterlands of Hammerwood, Ashurst Wood and Forest Row.
Right now at election time please feel free to ask me any question – the power of a district councillor is limited but I started this blog to see whether it was a good tool for democracy and I’d love to know what you think.
My vision for Forest Row is as a place where democracy truely functions, where the different and diverse groups communicate, engage and resolve problems, to make it an even better place to live. I would love to see more open discussion in the village about issues that are within our gift – like affordable housing, the transition towns initiative, community transport and car sharing. I would like to see Forest Row leading Wealden, ESCC and ideally wider in matters environmental around climate change, lifestyle, and issues such as waste minimisation.
I think there is a big need to reduce our dependence on oil – whether you support this for climate change or fuel security reasons - and have started to sound out a wider District discussion on forms of renewable energy. I would like to raise our ambitions on this around the District – not just in Forest Row.
Nationally the Conservative party is campaigning for a range of excellent things – localism, The Sustainable Communities bill, more local and accountable police and health services and, though these impact the village, you will not find me dwelling on them in this blog as a District Councillor has so little individual influence in these areas. Waste, building and planning are a different story.
Overall, I would like to: protect and improve this area for all of us to live and work in – now and for future generations, and enthuse others about democracy, protecting the environment and getting involved.
Melinda Wells said
I think you’re fantastic!
All my love. Melindaxxxx
Rozanna said
I agree with you. I think that bringing back more local amenities will help us reduce our mileage and thus our dependancy on oil. I am an Eco Interior Designer and I work in the Sussex area. My aim is to use local suppliers for the designs I supply for clients. It can be difficult to only use local tradespeople and local resources but it is really worth it, to support the community and keep the energy footprint low. I also work at the Trefoil Montessori Farm School at Ashwood Farm, East Grinstead which is an Eco School. A true pioneer to the Eco ideal.
Keep up the good work. I think it is just what is needed right now. It gives us all hope for a better future.
Rozanna Roberts
RoKo Interiors