Calls for action at Extinction Rebellion Winchester meeting

The discussion, titled Let’s Clear the Air, took place at South Downs Social Café and was arranged by Extinction Rebellion Winchester on Clean Air Night (Thursday, January 22).

Hazel Agombar of Mums for Lungs and Ben Marsh from South Downs National Par Authority (SDNPA) gave speeches.

Hazel warned of the growing but often overlooked impact of domestic wood burning, now one of the UK’s leading sources of particulate pollution.

She noted that although Winchester revoked its Air Quality Management Area in 2025, nitrogen dioxide levels in parts of the city still exceed World Health Organisation guidelines.

Ben discussed the national park's new 15-year Active Travel Network Plan, which is designed to reduce car dependency across the region.

It sets out more than 250 route ambitions, with proposals for new “Quiet Lanes” and safer walking and cycling connections.

Suggestions included a potential realignment of the South Downs Way via St Catherine’s Hill and an active travel route linking Winchester to Otterbourne via Shawford.

A wide-ranging Q&A followed, with contributions from residents and councillors Liam Bailey-Morgan and Kelsie Learney, focusing on how to turn long-term ambitions into practical, on-the-ground improvements.

The evening closed with clear calls to action. Residents were urged to support Mums for Lungs campaigns and use the Clean Air Hub, cleanairhub.org.uk, to reduce pollution.

The SDNPA encouraged locals to get involved in community events to “help us develop the network that you want”.