Eastbourne has public ownership of over 4,000 acres of downland. Enough room for a new forest, or a network of small, interconnected woodlands on those parts of the downland where there is effectively no chalk downland turf left due to ploughing/soil degradation. This would not only capture carbon but also help restore, nature, wildlife, biodiversity and provide a place for mental and physical recreation.
We are in the midst of an 'insect apocalypse' due to an 80% decline in insect populations over the last 20 years (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/12/car-splatometer-tests-reveal-huge-decline-number-insects). Forest/woodlands are hotspots for biodiversity, including insects. Friston Forest is a nearby example of a forest on the South Downs. We need a new forest anyway to replace the devastating impact of ash die-back on the downland escarpment in Eastbourne.
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