A remarkable transformation is underway along the southern coast of England, where a dedicated coalition of nature enthusiasts, farmers, and local businesses is turning Sussex’s coastline into a vibrant haven for wildlife.
The turnaround began with a groundbreaking move in 2022: Sussex Bay saw a ban on trawling, a fishing method that had long devastated its mussel beds, oyster reefs, and kelp forests. This decisive action allowed marine life to recover, and the results are already spectacular. Meanwhile, the Knepp Estate, once a neglected agricultural plot, was rewilded by its visionary owners. Their efforts transformed the estate into a thriving ecosystem reminiscent of Britain’s pre-agricultural landscape. Initially met with skepticism by neighboring farmers, Knepp’s success has now become a benchmark for rewilding projects across the country.
Building on Knepp’s success, the “Weald to Waves” project was born, driven by the ambition to create 10,000 hectares of nature-friendly corridors stretching from the South Downs to the coast. The project’s founder, James Baird, who owns the last undeveloped stretch of Sussex’s coastline, is collaborating with Knepp to bridge these wildlands to the sea.
One of the project’s key successes has been the reduction in agricultural runoff, which has significantly improved the quality of coastal waters. Divers and marine biologists have observed a remarkable resurgence of marine life. Beaches are now scattered with cuttlefish bones, kelp, and whelk eggs, while mussel beds have reappeared from Lancing to Brighton. Excitingly, sightings of dolphins, porpoises, electric rays, and the critically endangered angel shark are becoming more common.
The goal of the Sussex Bay and Weald to Waves partnership is to establish a seamless ecological corridor from the South Downs National Park to the sea. This ambitious endeavor aims to not only enhance biodiversity but also boost ecotourism. By attracting hikers, divers, and nature lovers, the initiative is set to generate millions in tourism revenue, breathing new life into the region and setting a global example for conservation efforts.
