Work designed to monitor, maintain and enhance the shingle beaches of East Sussex began in April 2008. Community groups and other volunteer organisations helped to carry out 380 surveys covering approximately 38 kilometres of coastline, recording a variety of shingle communities and species. Over 70 volunteers expressed an interest in the project and attended training days with the intention of carrying out shingle vegetation surveys.
Work to promote our shingle beaches now continues with European funding as part of the 'Accessing the Countryside' project.
Shingle beaches are home to nationally rare plant species such as Red Hemp-nettle, Sea Holly and Sea Pea, which can be found in a handful of locations across the East Sussex coastline. They are also home to birds such as the Ringed Plover, which often nests directly on the beach, and insects such as the Toadflax Brocade Moth.
The shingle beach project encourages the protection and enhancement of shingle habitats across the county, thereby helping to make these areas accessible and enjoyable places to visit.
The latest development is the installation of an interpretation board at Sovereign Harbour, to help inform locals and visitors, so whilst enjoying the beach they can also learn a bit more about it. It will be placed close to paths along the beach front, allowing the maximum number of visitors to see it easily as they pass by.
The cost of designing and making the interpretation board will be met by European funding as part of the 'Accessing the Countryside' Interreg IVA 2 Seas project.
The board will be in place on 3 September. PCDL (a partner organisation to the Environment Agency) have kindly agreed to install the board on site free of charge.
Further information
The shingle beach project is part of Accessing The Countryside project. In March 2009, the County Council secured an ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) grant through the Interreg IVA 2 Seas Programme, working with our Flemish partners. The project runs for three years and 6 months until 30 June 2012.
The aim of the project is to encourage people to access the countryside whether through volunteering and training or guided walks and cycle rides. The project will also fund access improvements including surface enhancements and countryside furniture repair and renewal, to enable easier access to our countryside sites and rights of way network.
We are working with three Flemish organisations: The Province of West Flanders, Westtoer and the Regional Landscape of the West Flemish Hills. ESCC will benefit from their knowledge and experience in countryside management and rights of way, including sand dune management and the development of database software. Exchange visits and best practice documents will allow us to address many common issues and find joint solutions.
Reference:
2927
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East Sussex County Council