What we are doing
The key issues for the county are:
- making the most of our natural environment for the benefit of the economy, for example through ‘green’ tourism initiatives
- continuing to ensure that opportunities are taken to increase biodiversity, for example as a result of coast protection, flood defence or regeneration schemes.
What we are doing
We are:
- improving access by providing facilities for the public to see, experience and learn about wildlife without damaging sensitive habitats.
- advising on land management and helping to establish conservation programmes for important habitats
- helping to create local nature reserves and leading on conservation at Rye Bay.
Coastal biodiversity project
This is a partnership project that we manage. Its aims are to protect and promote our coastal and marine habitats and wildlife. We provide advice to developers, landowners, managers and local communities, raise awareness, produce educational materials and organise designations to protect habitats, where appropriate.
Beaches at risk
Beaches At Risk (BAR) is a European-funded project. In partnership with the University of Sussex and French universities we are learning how rising sea levels and climate change affect coastal wildlife on both sides of the Channel.
Combining research on beach dynamics and ecology with awareness raising and education, we hope to find solutions which will benefit both development and biodiversity.
Biodiversity action plans
Detailed biodiversity action plans, setting out specific targets, have been produced for the different wildlife habitats in the county.
We manage several Sites of Scientific Special Interest (SSSIs), including:
- Ashdown Forest
- Ditchling Common Country Park
- Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 significantly increased our responsibility for the conservation and enhancement of SSSIs.
