Greener Wealden Business & Farming: Support and Resources

This page provides practical guidance, funding, and tools to help you reduce emissions, improve resilience, and grow sustainably for the future of your business.

Why Action Matters

Wealden is home to over 8,600 businesses, including farms, retailers, and small enterprises. In 2023, business operations in Wealden accounted for 29% of Wealden's district-wide emissions:

• 5% commercial
• 4% industry
• 19% agriculture

Climate change poses operational and financial risks, including higher costs, extreme weather events, and flooding. Being prepared and taking proactive steps are important and can:

• Cut energy and operational costs
• Improve resilience to climate impacts
• Open new markets and funding opportunities
• Enhance reputation with customers and partners
• Support Wealden’s journey to net zero by 2050

If you're unsure how your organisation can respond to events, there is support available with advice and ideas for simple and substantial steps your organisation can take.

If you're unsure how your organisation can respond to events, there is support available with advice and ideas for simple and substantial steps your organisation can take.

Practical Support for Businesses

Business Networks & Advice

• The East Sussex Growth Hub – Free independent local guidance on growth, sustainability, and resilience. They are the first step for any business seeking help and will find the solutions your business needs to thrive.
• The East Sussex Business Hub – A local gateway to accessing different programmes and resources as well as free online training, free 1:1 business health checks and expert advice, and peer networks.
• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) – Sustainability hub delivering advice, top tips, and small business stories.
• Carbon Trust – Resources for emissions reduction and low-carbon opportunities. Plus a free a carbon calculator for selected emission sources.
• UK Business Climate Hub – A UK Government and business collaboration and partner of the SME Climate Hub. It empowers and provides guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - start by looking at their 7 Steps to Sustainability!
• Energy Saving Trust – Advice for communities, local authorities, supply chain and businesses of all sizes on energy efficiency and renewable solutions.
• Energy Technology List. (ETL) – Deatils of approved energy-efficient equipment, such as boilers, electric motors, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
• South Downs Green Tourism – Businesses in or near the South Downs National Park can earn the Green South Downs Sustainability Certification. The certification assesses sustainability across three pillars, People, Place, and Planet and offers and expert advice and a tailored action plan to drive sustainability improvements and efficiencies.

Farming & Agriculture Support

• Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) – Funded by DEFRA. Useful resources and free advice on soil, water, and air quality; including the Agricultural Land Environmental Risk and Opportunity Tool (ALERT), a free mapping tool produced by the Environment Agency to support farmers and local advisers in analysing the landscape and reducing agricultural pollution. Farmers in Wealden can arrange a one-to-one consultation with their local CSF Advisor by contacting csf.southeastthames@naturalengland.org.uk.
• The Farming,& Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) – A charity that provides guidance and support on grant applications, agri-environment schemes, and sustainable practices, including the highly competitive Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.
• LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) – A global network inking farmers, the food industry, scientists, and consumers. Membership benefits include cost savings, opportunities for extra income, and environmental and business improvements.
• Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) – Farmer-led organisation providing advice on policy updates, sector developments, upcoming events and grant support.
• National Farmers Union (NFU Energy) – leading UK provider of sustainable energy solutions. Including renewable energy solutions, consultancy, and compliance support.

Food & Local Produce Initiatives

• Sussex Food and Drink – Directory and map of local Sussex based food and drink businesses. In 2023, launched the Sussex Six campaign which encourages hospitality and retail businesses in Wealden to commit to stocking at least six new local product lines over the next year. Full details on how to get involved.
• Wealden Food Partnerships – Connects farmers and local organisations to build a resilient and equitable food system. By joining the partnership, you’ll be able to network, share ideas, and hear about the latest support.
• Local Markets Directory – Our Explore Wealden website highlights local farmers and produce markets making it easy to plan your next visit and support local businesses.