Renewable energy is normally something that divides communities, with arguments over the siting of wind turbines or neighbours not wanting to look at solar panels. However, the village of Barcombe, near Lewes, is experiencing the exact opposite.

Ollie Pendered, founder of the Barcombe Energy Club, says: “The parish council surveyed everyone in the village and the price of oil and ways to embrace renewables came very high on the list of things residents wanted.”

Inspired by the interest, Ollie, who works in the energy industry, invited the entire village to a debate. Some 25 people attended, including a big showing from the parish council, as well as people from all walks of life.

“Some were interested in wood burners,” he says. “Others wanted to find out about retrofitting, the school and church were interested in alternative heating systems.”

The group, calling themselves the Barcombe Energy Club, agreed to meet quarterly, with their first course of action to put on an energy fair.

Ollie hopes the fair will show residents the information they need to start moving away from a reliance on oil.

He says: “We don’t have any gas here. Our community is reliant on oil and the rising price of it is a real concern. We’re going to look at having a wood hub to store wood chips, solar projects and an oil syndicate while people change their energy use. I’m hoping the village will be informed enough to make the changes to help them save money on their energy bills and embrace new forms of renewable energy.”

*Barcombe Energy Fair, June 25, 10am-4pm. Barcombe Village Hall, East Sussex.