About us
What we do
Forest Row Energy Co-op is part of the national network of community energy co-operatives that are putting the power of energy back in the hands of our local communities.
We are a non-profit, community owned organisation with a vision for energy that costs less to us and the environment. We want to build a self-sufficient, energy efficient local community that is powered by renewable energy.
We are based in Forest Row and our catchment area includes the surrounding towns and villages from East Grinstead to Uckfield, Crowborough to Sharpthorne.
We have a range of projects and initiatives that are benefiting our community and environment. Take a look at our projects and what we offer. If you’re not already a member, consider joining us to help power this exciting local movement.
Jonathan Shopley
Chair
Jonathan’s 30 year career has focused on preventing, reducing and repairing environmental impacts from industry. He is Managing Director at Natural Capital Partners, a company that works with international businesses to fund afforestation, ecosystem protection, renewable energy, and energy efficiency projects around the world. He holds two board positions in industry non-profit associations focused on climate change.
Morgan Loughton
Executive Director
Morgan is a website and marketing specialist (7+ years) in Forest Row. Working with many local businesses.
He has grown up in the village and attended Michael Hall alongside other schools in the area.
Keen to see his community improve and thrive with renewable energies, and improve business' energy usage and residents' quality of life.
Tony Lewin
Non-Executive Director
Tony Lewin is a journalist and author writing on environmental and transportation issues.
He has been a Forest Row parish councillor since 2010 and is a tireless campaigner for green values.
Robin Evans
Non-Executive Director
Robin works as a financial risk manager for an international wealth management company. He studied Biodynamic Agriculture at Emerson College and has sat on the boards of the Biodynamic Land Trust and Tablehurst & Plaw Hatch Farm Community Farm Coop. He is chairman of Ecodynamic CBS Ltd that operates a wind turbine in Cornwall. Robin lives on a farm in East Sussex where he and his partner have established the International Foundation for Equine Assisted Learning.
Working with...
AGM Meeting
2025 AGM & Annual Report
We gathered online on 17th November 2025 for our Annual General Meeting to reflect on a year of progress and plan for the future of energy in Forest Row.
Key Highlights from the Year:
Community Projects: We successfully delivered energy advisory surgeries and a community engagement programme grant-funded by the Forest Row Parish Council.
Local Partnerships: We provided critical guidance to the On My Side charity for the restoration of Hambro Hall, helping them select vetted suppliers for energy efficiency upgrades.
Financial Health: As a non-profit, we reinvest all income into our services. We close the year with positive cash reserves ready to support our 2025/26 initiatives.
Leadership: We formally welcomed Morgan Loughton to the Board of Directors to drive our project development forward.
Read the full minutes and financial breakdown below.