Who are the Upper Ouse Farmer Cluster?

The Upper Ouse Farmer Cluster is one of many clusters across the country supported by the Countryside Stewardship facilitation fund. The fund supports farmers and other land managers across the local area to collaborate on environmental initiatives. Since its establishment in 2015, the fund has set up 180 groups comprising of 4000 members. The Upper Ouse Cluster was formed in 2020 and is currently made up of 26 members covering 4000ha. Our members manage land across the High Weald from Crawley, south east towards Heathfield.

Stakeholders We Work With…

Cluster Priorities

  • Flood risk management

  • water quality

  • Control of Invasive Non-Native species on the Ouse

  • Soil health

  • Improve habitat for ground nesting birds

  • Enhance ecological connectivity for wildlife

  • Conserve areas of lowland meadows

  • Link arable field margins and riparian habitats

  • Conserve and extend species rich woodland and wood pasture

  • Support priority species including turtle dove, lapwing, and stone curlew.