Sussex rewilding project awarded £100k
A large-scale rewilding project along the Sussex coast has been awarded £100,000.
Rewilding Britain said it was "delighted" to award the funding to Sussex Bay – an area that encompasses 160 km of coastline from Selsey Bill to Camber Sands. The project could see kelp, oyster beds and saltmarsh reintroduced along the coastline in an attempt to combat climate change and encourage wildlife.
On its website, Sussex Bay said the project was initiated by Adur and Worthing Councils, powered by civic organisations, local businesses, communities and people.
The Sussex coast is an important haven for various wader species (David Campbell).
Rewilding the Sussex coast
Paul Brewer, founder and director of Sussex Bay, said: "There is so much incredible passion, commitment and practical effort across Sussex Bay, and we aim to help grow that further. Our seascapes deserve radical collaboration and action at a large scale, ensuring no one is left behind."
Jacques Villemot, marine rewilding coordinator for Rewilding Britain, added: "The amazing habitats found in our oceans and coastlines – like kelp, oyster beds and saltmarsh – offer a myriad of benefits for wildlife, nature and people.
"But, sadly, the majority of these habitats are heavily degraded or lost – 96% of the once extensive kelp beds in West Sussex have been lost since the 1980s."
Conservation funding
The funding was awarded as part of Rewilding Britain's annual Rewilding Challenge Fund. Sussex Bay is the second-ever recipient of the award.
The first recipient, Kent Wildlife Trust, won in 2023 to increase rewilding efforts in West Blean and Thornden Woods, the largest ancient woodland in southern England and home to the UK's first reintroduced European Bison.
