All Events

Browse upcoming and past community events including training courses, film screenings, and workshops focused on sustainable building and gardening.

Our events bring the community together around shared goals of sustainability and resilience. From film screenings that explore our relationship with the planet to hands-on workshops in green building and gardening, each gathering is an opportunity to learn, connect, and take meaningful action. These are not passive affairs; they are spaces where neighbours become collaborators, where ideas spark new projects, and where the transition to a low-carbon life feels possible and even joyful. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, you will find a warm welcome and a chance to contribute.

Film nights are a staple of our calendar, offering a window into the global crisis and the extraordinary lives of those working for change. Documentaries featuring astronauts, scientists, poets, and teachers remind us of the undeniable truth that we are all connected. These screenings often include discussion sessions where we can shift our perspective, reconsider our habits, and rethink our relationship with the natural world. It is a poetic and humbling experience that leaves attendees feeling both informed and inspired to act locally.

Practical workshops in sustainable building and gardening form another key strand of our programme. Participants have the chance to learn about natural materials, energy efficiency, and food growing in a supportive, hands-on environment. These sessions demystify the skills needed to retrofit homes, cultivate organic vegetables, and reduce carbon footprints. By sharing knowledge and working side by side, we build not only greener homes and gardens but also stronger social ties. The emphasis is always on achievable steps that anyone can take, regardless of experience.

Our events are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and fun. We often organise social gatherings alongside more formal activities, recognising that community resilience depends on trust and friendship as much as on technical know-how. Potlucks, bike rides, and seasonal celebrations create space for informal connection and shared joy. These lighter moments are essential to sustaining momentum over the long haul. They remind us that the transition to a low-carbon future is not about sacrifice alone; it is about creating a richer, more connected way of living together in this village.

Upcoming & Past Events

June 27–28, 2015

Building with Hemp Lime

Stanmer Park — 9am to 5:30pm

This course covers the practice and theory of building with hemp lime (hempcrete), a superb, better-than-zero-carbon building material.

Course fee: £115–£250

Tutor: Alex Sparrow or William Stanwix · Organized by Brighton Permaculture Trust

July 3–5, 2015

Self Building an Earthship

Stanmer Park

A hands-on course exploring the principles and techniques behind building an Earthship — a self-sufficient, low-impact home.

Cost: £160–£310

Organized by Brighton Permaculture Trust

July 4–5, 2015

Forest Gardening

Stanmer Park

An introduction to designing and maintaining a productive forest garden, mimicking natural woodland ecosystems.

Organized by Brighton Permaculture Trust

July 17 & 24, 2015

Building with Straw Bales

Stanmer Park

Practical training in straw-bale construction, covering wall raising, detailing, and natural plastering techniques.

Organized by Brighton Permaculture Trust

August 8, 2015

Community Event

Details to be confirmed

An additional gathering listed for the Transition Forest Row community.

March 19, 2016

Green Architecture Day

Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton

A day of talks on approaches to green building design. Speakers included Duncan Baker-Brown, Assemble, Ben Law, and Nic Pople, covering reuse, woodland resources, and social art in architecture.

Organized by Brighton Permaculture Trust

Browse by Category

Sustainable Building Courses

Hands-on training in hemp lime, earthship, and straw-bale construction.

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Green Architecture Day

Annual talks on green building design held in central Brighton.

View Details

Community Film Screenings

Documentary evenings at Village Hall, Forest Row, covering soil, society, and sustainability.

View Films