Falmer Court is committed to sustainability. Our role as responsible stewards of the surrounding South Downs is demonstrated through our:
- Extensive revegetation of degraded farmland using native species
- Construction of two dew ponds to support biodiversity
- Installation of a bore hole to support low-impact water use
- Energy-efficient heating of the historic barn
Further, we express our support of culture, education, and lasting community relationships is expressed through:
- Sensitive restoration of our Grade II* listed barn
- Opening of our grounds to community and educational groups 30 days a year
- Ongoing collaboration with local charities
- Maintaining strong relationships of collaboration with the South Downs National Park and University of Sussex
Nestled within the South Down’s National park, we recognise the role Falmer Court can play in preserving and enhancing the integrity of the surrounding environment.
We also acknowledge the local community’s role as part of our identity and history and our capacity to celebrate these relationships through a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Our commitment to this vision is formalised within Falmer Court’s sustainability strategy, which is built upon genuine intent and is the foundation for everything we do; from restoring the estate’s heritage buildings to hosting events. This strategy is supported by measurable targets which will support the realisation of real environmental, community, and charitable outcomes:
We will deliver measurable improvements in biodiversity, connectivity, and carbon storage in a way which supports the South Downs’ biodiversity objectives. We will regularly monitor progress to assess our impact.
We will deliver measurable improvements in soil health, including increases in carbon and water retention to reverse historic degradation, and minimise future erosion and nutrient loss.
We will develop a water consumption strategy which prioritises low-impact use through installation of a borehole and dew ponds to support irrigation and hydrological research.
We will work to ensure Falmer Court remains open to members of our community year-round by hosting public and private events. We warmly welcome applications for events to be hosted at Falmer Court. Please contact us at contact@falmercourt.com for further information.
Key to ensuring Falmer Court remains a safe and welcoming space is the historically-sensitive repair of the Grade-II* barn and surrounds. We will use best-practice conservation methods that prolong asset life and increase public access. Key our strategy is the installation of an energy-efficient in-floor heating system which will allow comfortable use of the space year-round.
We will work with field experts to deliver on our commitments, and continue to build upon the relationships we have formed with key community groups including the South Downs National Park and University of Sussex. In strengthening our relationship with neighbours and the community, we will host year-round programs and events that reconnect people with the South Downs and local heritage.
We are committed to contributing to charitable appeals aligned with our, and the South Downs National Park vision.
We recognise that sustainability is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Our strategy will continue to build upon the outcomes that have already been brought to fruition:
Since purchasing the estate in 2015, the Woolley family has worked closely with experts to restore the Grade-II* listed barn by using local materials and techniques which respect the building’s rich history.
We have commenced a strong working relationship with the South Downs National Park and University of Sussex who are supporting us in realising our sustainability goals. Already, this relationship has allowed us to provide meaningful student employment.
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