What will Downs to the Sea do?

Downs to the Sea will have two main strands: water in the landscape and water in people’s lives.

On the landscape side, a number of schemes are planned:

Wetland Restoration in the Arun Valley – delivering vital restoration works on a string of functionally-connected nature reserves down through the Arun Valley to the coast, at RSPB Pulborough Brooks and Amberley Wildbrooks, and at Ferry Pool wetlands, part of RSPB Pagham Harbour and Medmerry. These sites are internationally designated for their wildlife but need urgent investment to help increase biodiversity and build climate resilience.
Up to 15 dew pond restorations across Hampshire and Sussex, working with landowners.
The restoration of the historic village pond at Falmer, led by Brighton & Hove City Council.

On the people side, there will be:

Volunteering and apprenticeship opportunities around the monitoring and maintenance of watercourses.
The creation of “Water Champions” to help lead community-based action and raise awareness of the importance of water in the landscape.
A range of activities, including social prescribing, to help people experiencing loneliness, anxiety and depression. Working with local organisations there will be opportunities to get involved in nature-based activities, including at RSPB Pulborough Brooks.
Schools will receive assembly presentations and resource packs, supporting the National Curriculum Rivers topic with local information and ideas on how they can help their water environment.
Led by Writing Our Legacy, there will be creative opportunities for those who may not have had access to wetlands before. Working with artists from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse audiences, the creative project will explore and respond to the Arun Valley and its wider landscape and heritage.