The People’s Emergency Briefing film screening and launch of Wild about Heathfield
2nd July
The People’s Emergency Briefing film screening and launch of Wild about Heathfield
Last Sunday 28 June saw an audience of curious and concerned residents gather at the Heathfield Community Centre on Sunday evening for a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing — a powerful film calling for urgent action on the climate and nature crisis. the event was organised by Veronica Blakey
The film sets out the risks facing the UK and the bold steps needed to respond. It forms part of a growing national movement calling for a government-backed televised emergency briefing, so that everyone can better understand the scale of the crisis and the practical actions needed to address it.
The initiative began at Westminster Central Hall, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders heard directly from experts about the challenges ahead. Screenings are now taking place in communities and workplaces across the country.
Following the Heathfield screening, attendees took part in a Q&A session with a panel of experts.
David Nash, founder of Greening Chiddingly and Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Brighton, shared his expertise in climate science and offered guidance on sustainability.
Libby Drew, Director of the Knepp Wildland Foundation, spoke about landscape and species recovery through the Weald to Waves project. She also shared practical ideas for supporting nature locally and turning concern into positive action.
Dr Richard Blakey, a GP and cardiologist, discussed the health impacts of climate change. He also spoke about the importance of mending and reusing rather than discarding, as part of the circular economy, and shared advice on retrofitting renewable technologies in modern homes.
The discussion helped give attendees a clearer understanding of both the challenges and opportunities ahead, while encouraging further local action and engagement.
The launch of the Wild about Heathfield initiative
The same day also saw the launch of a new local group, Wild About Heathfield, created by residents who are passionate about nature and the environment. The group joins similar initiatives in nearby communities including Burwash, Mayfield and Wadhurst, all working to protect and celebrate the natural world.
Wild About Heathfield plans to host learning events, social gatherings and other activities, with the aim of creating a community where nature can thrive and be valued by everyone. The group hopes to bring together residents, gardeners, local organisations, farmers, schools and conservationists around a shared goal.
Heathfield has strong historical links with the cuckoo, a bird now on the endangered list and rarely heard in the area. Wild About Heathfield hopes that, through local action to support nature and habitats, its distinctive call may one day become a familiar sound in the local landscape again.
The screening was made possible thanks to The Vault Community Cinema
