Big funding boost for nature recovery in South Downs National Park
September 8, 2023
Ancient chalk reefs that are home to seahorses, a meandering river and a nature reserve with over 250 species of plants will benefit from a major funding boost.
Around 12,000 hectares of land from Seaford to Eastbourne, in East Sussex, will benefit from government funding for nature recovery work.
The focus of the project, led by Natural England, will be across several locations, including the Cuckmere River, Seven Sisters cliffs and chalk reefs in the Beachy Head Marine Conservation Zones.
It includes an ambitious plan to extend the National Nature Reserve (NNR) at Lullington Heath. This “super NNR” will bring a collaborative approach to managing the existing reserve to enhance nature for generations to come.
There will also be a focus on creating and restoring a mosaic of habitats across this varied landscape, from the wildflower chalk grasslands, the meandering Cuckmere River, and the wooded slopes of Friston and Eastbourne Escarpment, linking in with the wider farmed landscape.
Focusing initially on the rare wart-biter cricket, found in only six sites across Britain, and the short-snouted seahorse, the project will work with partners to boost populations of these rare species.
Jim Seymour, Sussex Kent area manager for Natural England, said: “We’re excited to launch this Nature Recovery Project here in East Sussex focusing on how nature can improve life’s most vital needs.
“These include clean water, nutritious food, space for physical and mental wellbeing and a more resilient environment to call home.”
East Sussex is one of six projects taking a share of £7.4m of Defra funding. Rare heathlands in the nearby Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will also benefit, creating better habitat connectivity with heaths in the South Downs that are home to rare birds and reptiles.
