Herstmonceux Community Land Trust

We’ve completed the second stage of conifer removal. Many thanks to @EcologyCo_op and @liphooktrees1 for doing a fantastic and considered job! #dormice #naturalengland #creatinghabitats

The first stage of the conifer removal is complete, opening up the site to the views and Allfree wood - the neighbouring fragment of ancient woodland. In the foreground you can see the reptile fencing installed as part of the ecological protection measures that we are following.

The first step of the project is the removal of the habitat poor and damaged conifers that line the public footpath at the edge of the site. Great to see how much it improves the footpath and opens up the long distance views for the future homes! Thanks to Ed White and his team!

The elevation of the homes facing the private back gardens enclosed by dense native hedgerow has large patio doors and windows that means the homes are flooded with natural light and the garden becomes an 'external room'. #privategarden #naturallight #sussexhedgerow

The site is at the watershed that ultimately feeds the Pevensey Levels. As part of the design for the landscape a network of swales and a small pond manage and attenuate the rainwater runoff in a sustainable way as well as creating new wildlife habitat.

The core aim of the project is to provide homes that are enjoyable to live in for families of all ages and are locally affordable. #intergenerational #familydinner #affordablehomes

In Autumn last year we undertook an archaeological investigation of the site with @archaeologysoutheast . No artefacts or traces of history were found so we have been able to move to the next stages. #sussexarchaeology #sussexhistory #herstmonceux

Ground floor plan of a typical home showing the generous and flexible open plan kitchen and living spaces. The new homes will be approximately 20 percent bigger than the minimum required. This means that they can accommodate 'real life' and meet long term changing needs.

The homes are grouped in twos and threes within single barn-like buildings. This is the front elevation with big south-east facing bay windows in the kitchen. Ideal for a morning cup of coffee! #contemporaryvernacular #sussexvernacular #morningcoffee

As part of the project we will be protecting, improving and enhancing the dormice habitat and hopefully add to this community! This is a photograph of one of the dormice found on site by @theecologyconsultancy as part of the ecological surveys undertaken in 2019. #hazeldormouse

The new homes will be very low energy and have a low carbon footprint. Investment is being made into the quality of the design, construction and technology. This diagram from #climatelabbook illustrates the change in average yearly temperature in England from 1772-2017.

The new landscape of native hedgerows, trees and wildflower meadow planting gives an informal setting in which the homes are placed. #rurallandscape #rurallife #landscapeled

The new homes will have generous and flexible living spaces that are flooded with natural light and have views to the rich landscape setting. #communityledhousing #architecturalinteriors #ruralhousing

The project site is a former field for strawberries now used for casual sheep grazing. It benefits from a good southerly aspect on the edge of Windmill Hill just outside the High Weald AONB. This is the view south towards the Pevensey levels. #ruralsussex #highweald #communityled

The project received planning consent in May 2020 with unanimous support. This is one of many positive quotes from the committee about the project. @wealdendc #wealdenplanning #ruralhousing #communityhousing

A view from one of the public consultation events in 2019 showing the entrances to some of the homes and the distinctly rural character of the project. #ruralhome #landscapeled #wildlifehabitat #sussexwildlife

The Strawberry Field project will provide a mixture of two, three and one bedroom, low-energy homes with new landscape and resident and visitor parking. #communityledhousing #eastsussexhousing #windmillhill #affordablehousing #herstmonceux #lowenergy #ruralhousing

Planning approved for Herstmonceux CLT to build 20 homes at Compers Field, Windmill Hill. www.community21/communities/herstmonceuxclt for more.