The £200,000 revamp, funded by the County Council, EU money and the South Downs Conservation Board as part of the Welcome to the Countryside project, includes improvements to the visitor facilities on the Park and the repair of an historic ‘type 25’ pillbox, built in June 1940 as part of the defence system to protect the Cuckmere Valley from German landings.
Councillor Matthew Lock, Lead Member responsible for Transport & Environment, said: "The Seven Sisters Country Park is extremely popular, with about 350,000 visitors each year. We want to enable as many people as possible to visit the Park and enjoy the fantastic countryside. By improving access to the Park and improving the facilities, we hope to encourage more people to visit one of the best locations in East Sussex "
Improvements include energy efficient heating and lighting in the Upper Pump Barn, which serves as the education centre of the Park and was used by more than 5,000 children from 120 schools last year. The County Council has also built a shingle garden in the courtyard of the Visitor Centre, to reflect and interpret the local beach habitat, which is of national and international importance. These changes will enable schools and visitors to have a more enjoyable and rewarding visit to the Park.
Other improvements include refurbished toilets and new energy efficient heating and lighting at the camping barn, which was used by 2,000 campers last year.
Notes to editors
Councillor Matthew Lock along with representatives from the Government Office for the South East will be visiting the improvements on Thursday 2 September. You are welcome to attend and/or take photographs.
4.00 – 4.05 Meet at Exceat Visitors Centre restaurant and introductions.
4.05 – 4.15 Outline of the project and overview of works completed.
4.15 – 4.20 Photo.
4.20 – 5.30 Site visit.
Reference:
04/283/TH
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