Transition Ashtead

Transition Ashtead is a group of local people who aim to promote different aspects of sustainability through writing articles in the Local Pages and holding talks and discussions. Our mantra is ‘reduce, recycle, repair, reuse!’ If you are interested in helping to make our village a more sustainable place to live, this is the place for you!

We are affiliated to the Transition Network - https://transitionnetwork.org/

And we work with the Surrey Climate Commission - https://www.surreyclimate.org.uk/

Events 2026

We are currently planning some talks and discussions on saving money and leading ‘greener’ lifestyles. We are keen to hear what you are interested in, so get in touch via our email transitionashtead23@gmail.com

Events 2025

MP Helen Maguire’s wide-ranging talk on Sustainability in our local area was well attended and well received. Discussion took place on topics including local housing plans and the Climate and Nature Bill.

At our June meeting, local resident George Heywood outlined how he has taken his home to nearly carbon zero, a project he started when his boiler needed replacing. Also, Leah Robson from 'Your Energy, Your Way' explained how air source heat pumps are an efficient, low-carbon heating system for the future. She gave excellent advice on preparing our homes for heat pumps and how to choose an installer. This is the link to their webpage on heat pumps with 23 killer questions to help you find a reliable installer! https://www.yourenergyyourway.co.uk/heat-pumps

The workshop in September, run by Surrey Climate Commission ‘Surrey Talks Climate’, was well-attended by representatives from local organisations. Everyone further honed their skills in discussing issues to do with climate and nature.

Kid’s Club Garden (next to the Youth Club)

We maintain this small garden once a week and teach basic gardening skills. Last autumn, the children collected a bumper harvest of beans, carrots, beetroot and sweetcorn. Can you help? We are always on the lookout for new volunteers!

Current Project – a food buying group

We are trying to do something positive about plastic reduction and nature, as well as saving money. We are piloting a food buying group sourced from an ethical wholesaler. Infinity Foods Wholesale sell masses of good quality, non-perishable foods (pasta, pulses, rice and so much more) and household items at wholesale prices. We buy in bulk by agreeing a group order using a shared spreadsheet.

Watch the video to see how this can operate!

When the order arrives, we get together to weigh out/split up the food so bring your empty containers.

To take part in this pilot buying group, email transitionashtead23@gmail.com or contact Becky Wood (07892 886260).

The Blue Campaign in Surrey

We continue to promote Surrey’s Blue Campaign to encourage the wildflowering of residential verges and gardens, through No-Mow May and beyond, to create a linear habitat for insects and other mini-beasts. This practice has been adopted by many residents in the village and we have Blue Hearts available for sale. Email us at transitionashtead23@gmail.com Alternatively, you can purchase wooden hearts online and paint your own. It is recommended that you get agreement from your immediate neighbours about managing your own verge and discuss how you will do it. If you need to state membership to a Community Group, you can use Transition Ashtead.

Reporting Issues on Verges

Please do pass on any complaints about mowing as this has recently changed to Surrey County Council’s responsibility. Making a complaint to county councils is now done through Fix My Street – fixmystreet.com

Registering Your Verge

The size requirements for Blue Hearts verges and the process for registering your verge have changed and these are explained on Surrey’s Blue Campaign webpage. (see link below)