We’re delighted to bring Eco Open Houses back to the Lewes District this September – and this time, we’re going beyond front doors and into gardens too!
Eco Open Houses & Gardens 2025 is a celebration of the brilliant steps local people are taking to live more sustainably – in their homes and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re interested in saving energy, reducing your carbon footprint, or creating more space for nature where you live, this is your chance to see what’s possible right here in our community.
When and Where?
We’ll be opening homes and gardens across the district over three Saturdays:
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13th September – Barcombe
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20th September – Lewes
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27th September – Rodmell, Hassocks & Ditchling
Each day will feature a range of homes and gardens that have made eco-friendly improvements – from cutting-edge retrofits to clever DIY solutions, and from lush wildflower plots to low-carbon heating systems.
What to Expect
Visitors will be able to tour real homes, chat directly with homeowners, and see a wide range of retrofits and low-energy measures in action – with honest, helpful advice.
Whether you’re curious about heat pumps, insulation, water-saving, or how to turn your outdoor space into a haven for nature, this free event will help demystify home energy improvements and gives you the chance to:
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Learn how to reduce your home’s energy use and carbon emissions
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Hear real-life experiences (the good, the bad, and the brilliant) from homeowners
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Get practical answers from Ovesco’s own Energy Champions
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Explore how to garden for nature – a new and exciting focus for 2025
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We know that home energy improvements and retrofitting can seem daunting. But seeing it up close, in homes like yours, can be a total game-changer. Visitors often leave with a better sense of what’s possible – and the motivation to get started.
New This Year: Gardens for Nature
For 2025, we’re thrilled to be teaming up with People’s Park for Nature and the Lewes Mosaic Project to showcase nature-friendly gardens alongside our eco homes.
Wildlife garden with pond in Lewes
From bird boxes and rain gardens to pollinator planting and ponds, you’ll see a variety of ways local residents are welcoming wildlife into their spaces
– no matter the size. It’s all part of a growing movement to make Lewes District a more connected, biodiverse and nature-rich place to live.
Find out more about our partners:
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Lewes Mosaic Project – creating a patchwork of habitats across the town with support from schools, groups and individuals
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People’s Park for Nature – working across the lower Ouse Valley to restore habitats and reconnect people with the natural world
How to Take Part
All visits are free, but we do ask that you book in advance. This helps homeowners plan their time and ensures everyone has a chance to chat and look around.
👉 Listings and booking info will be available soon at ovesco.co.uk
Whether you’re a seasoned energy enthusiast or just curious about where to begin, Eco Open Houses & Gardens is a friendly, welcoming way to take the next step.
Why It Matters
Home energy is one of the biggest areas where we can cut carbon, save money, and make our homes more comfortable. But it’s also an area full of questions, myths and confusion.
The inside of a decarbonised home in Lewes District
That’s why this event exists – to help people learn from each other, ask questions without judgment, and see for themselves how real change happens.
“Visiting an eco home or garden is one of the best ways to understand what’s involved and to feel empowered to take action. It’s about learning from neighbours, not experts – and finding ideas that work for you.”
Want to know more about why we run these events and why they matter? Check out our article here.
Eco Open Houses & Gardens 2025 is delivered by Ovesco with support and funding from National Lottery and Community Energy Pathways.
Let’s open our doors, and our minds – to a more sustainable future.