28 May 2025 | by Iona Boss
I’m Iona and in this short series of articles, I will be interviewing local people with about their journey to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, with consideration for other living things we share the world with, and how you could do the same.
Every year we are reminded of our worsening climate crisis, from record-breaking temperatures and powerful hurricanes to floods, wildfires and droughts. These changes are not only seen on the news, but in our own gardens. Last month, we experienced the second-hottest April on record globally, peaking at 24°C in some parts of the UK – 10 degrees higher than the national average. The climate is changing – and it is changing fast, at a rate which has never been seen before in Earth’s history.
In the midst of this crisis there is a growing movement of passionate people taking action to conserve nature and mitigate our rapidly changing climate. It is not too late to change the world for the better, and these people prove that it’s achievable, even locally! The first interviewee is Wendy Pickles, a volunteer at Seaford Climate Hub and leader of our community choir, Hope and Anger singers.
Hope & Anger Singers at Paddle Out Protest May 2025. Photo by Matt Hillier @matthillier1979
I became increasingly aware of the climate crisis over the past few years as it became more newsworthy, but it was my daughter Anna’s move into climate activism at university and beyond that inspired me to make changes in my own lifestyle and get involved in campaigning.
In terms of my own pro-environmental behaviour that has been a gradual change and is ongoing. In terms of activism, the moment that spurred me into action was my first visit to the climate hub a few months after moving to Seaford. I remember Jo Rigby being so welcoming and inviting me in to make a banner to take on a march. Before I moved here I wasn’t aware of this amazing group of people who give up their time and energy in the hope of improving our world.
At first I offered to volunteer regularly at the climate hub, which was a great way to meet other volunteers, to find out about all the brilliant local environmental groups and to engage with visitors. I said yes to getting involved in events such as the Little Green Cinema, greeting people and widening my repertoire of vegan baking! I then had a germ of an idea about starting up a climate choir. It took a while to get up the confidence to go for it – it was Helen Frederick who gave me the push I needed, with her words of wisdom, “Just do it!”. I think of that often as a great mantra for life! So now I lead a weekly choir with 15 members and growing. We have lots of fun singing together in rehearsals and at local events and I believe it fuels our activism and helps combat anxieties and frustrations around climate issues and the inaction of those in power.
Hope & Anger Singers at International Women’s Day event March 2025
It has changed a lot! I now put environmental considerations at the heart of all my decisions – from who I bank with, to how I travel, to how and where I shop, and so on. I switched from a vegetarian to a vegan diet about four years ago. I rarely buy
new clothes and choose secondhand and/or local for all my other purchases where at all possible. I try to strike a balance between having nice things and just collecting “stuff”, asking myself: “Do I love it? Do it need it?”. Sometimes the answer is “yes”, but I am definitely more considered in my consumerist habits. I have cut down significantly on single use plastic and am careful not to waste food. We recently installed solar panels on our roof and will soon be getting a heat pump – an EV will be the next big investment. Last year I enrolled on a degree in Environmental Studies with the Open University so that I can learn about the wider issues and be more informed when engaging in activism. And of course I spend a lot more of my
time on activism via my involvement with SEA.
My daughter Anna is my climate hero. She is not afraid to get out on the streets and make her voice be heard, she enjoys the challenge of debating the issues with climate sceptics and she is so confident in her beliefs and abilities. I know that once she finishes her studies (a Master’s in Sustainability & Behaviour Change) she will go on to make a real difference to the public perception of the threat of climate change and how we can work together to reverse its effects.
I am blessed to have Seaford Head and Cuckmere Haven on my doorstep, so I love to take a circular walk up to South Hill Barn then down to the Coastguard Cottages and back via Chyngton Farm. The views along the way are wonderful and I love the accompanying baa-ing of the sheep!
Top of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh April 2025.
The first café I visited in Seaford was Pomegranate and I was so impressed with their range of vegan choices (including cake!) and delicious food that it is my go-to whenever I meet friends for coffee or lunch. The staff are so friendly too. I also love Flowers & Pots as they have a beautiful range of house plants in lovely containers which I often give as presents. And at Sweet Moments you can choose from a large selection of yummy vegan chocolates in a box – no plastic! There are a lot of good charity shops and many businesses are signed up to Plastic Free Seaford – look out for the logo!
Volunteering with SEA has become such an important part of my life. I have a whole new set of wonderful friends who share my ethos. Representing SEA at the hub has given me more self-confidence when speaking to new people and has put me in
contact with folk from all walks of life, which has enhanced my understanding of other lives and of issues in the local community. Leading the choir has brought me out of my shell and given me the chance to share my love of music while at the same time developing my empathic skills. I recently became Trustee of SEA which has given me an even greater sense of responsibility and agency, as well as a chance to explore new areas of expertise. On top of all this, my involvement makes me hopeful: one, I know I am not alone, I am part of a committed and passionate community; two, it is a channel for acting on my beliefs, which gives me a sense of making a real difference.
I would just urge people, whatever their passion, to get out there and get involved. As well as making a contribution to the community you will benefit personally in so many ways. Find your tribe, find your voice and let it be heard!