'Fire and floods' as Extinction Rebellion brings 'die in' to Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath

Extinction Rebellion supporters during their 'die in'

Their procession up Church Walk was accompanied a stretcher bearing a model burning planet.

Jemima and Cilla, founders of Extinction Rebellion Mid Sussex, said: “The theme of fire and flood refers to the unprecedented number and severity of wildfires in recent months burning swathes of the Amazon, California, Australia, Russia – and even Scotland and the Arctic.

"The flooding was felt closer to home as rain pelted the participants lying in puddles, some of whom are using sandbags to protect their homes.

Banners and leaflets drew attention to the floods which have affected Mid Sussex recently during the three named storms in February - Ciara, Dennis and Jorje.

'This is not normal' was printed on one banner, with a photograph of cottages half submerged in water.

Passersby stopped to chat, ask questions and accept gifts of home-produced seeds and flapjacks, and Jemima and Cilla said contact with people was 'very positive'.

One person had created a leaflet explaining what we as individuals can do to help the planet and explaining some of the misconceptions around Extinction Rebellion members and their aims.

Jemima and Cilla said: "Children between the ages of two and ten danced and chanted, singing 'we need to wise up, we need to open our eyes and do it now, now, now'.

"Extinction Rebellion Mid Sussex say their aim is to let people know that they don’t have to worry about the planet and their children’s future alone, and to empower others to join with them to demand that both local and national government act now to combat climate change and biodiversity loss."

The group says it is concerned about banks which lend money to companies extracting oil, and companies locally who are working to extract fossil fuels across the Weald.

It is also highlighting Gatwick's attempts to expand despite a national aim to cut carbon emissions.

To find out more about the group, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/XRMidSussex.

The group can also be contacted on [email protected], to find out what is going on and get involved with planned events in partnership with other local environmental groups.