'We're looking at local extinction' - activists march through Brighton

Extinction Rebellion demonstrators congregated at the Level in Brighton before marching through the centre of town and on towards Hove Town Hall.

Some members of the group had started the Demonstrate for the Downs march at Hollingbury golf course, as part of their campaign to urge Brighton and Hove City Council to rewild Hollingbury and Waterhall golf courses.

Polly Eason, front centre, with fellow demonstrators

Polly Eason, 41, from Coldean, was among the demonstrators who gathered at the Level.

She said: "There’s a number of groups across the city who feel passionately about helping the council to make some bold long term decisions.

"We need to think about what we can do to mitigate and adapt to climate change, but it’s going to take a big reconsideration of everything.

"Ideally, Brighton and Hove councillors should be offered some emergency training, as this a big deal.

"They absolutely should not be considering a housing development on Whitehawk Hill for example - that demonstrates a lack of training on the issue.

"We are not here to be hateful. I’m a mother of five, and that’s why I’m here.

Gemma and Simon McFarlane and Lyn Sands

Gemma McFarlane, 41, and Simon McFarlane, 42, both travelled from Seaford to take part in the march.

Simon said: "If they can’t find a company to take it over, we think the council should rewild the golf courses as it’s a big opportunity.

"There are some footpaths up there, but you can’t explore it all. It’s walking distance from Brighton, as we’ve discovered today.

"There’s already a clubhouse which could still be used for functions. It would be a good resource for the town."

Ben Benatt, an ecologist, said Extinction Rebellion is not "anti-golf".

Ben Benatt

He said: "We’re demonstrating today mainly because Hollingbury Golf Course is up for renewal, so we have an opportunity.

"We are concerned that the new lease will be for 25 years. We are signing these sites off for a long and important period in time when many changes are taking place so we need to think about that.

"We know that parts of Sussex are going to be underwater in the next few decades.

"We are working with the golf club and we think there could be a way that they could sit side by side.

"We also want to work with the council and we understand it’s very difficult what they’re trying to do. They are making decisions which are unprecedented."

Ben said that species of birds have been lost at the site, including willow warblers and yellowhammers.

He said: "We are looking at local extinction. It’s not just happening in the Amazon rain forest, it is happening on our doorstep."

Traffic was held up as the marchers went through central Brighton

The leases for Hollingbury and Waterhall golf courses expire on March 31.

Brighton and Hove City Council's tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee (TECC) is due to review the tenders for the site on Thursday, January 16, in order to decide on new leases for both sites.