Residents
Sussex is known for the rolling landscape of the South Downs, the ancient woodlands of its High Weald, its internationally rare chalk streams, and its vibrant harbours, coast and sea. While the iconic Herring Gull is a common sight within its coastal towns, lesser known (and seen) inhabitants of Sussex include dolphins, seals, bats, swifts, starlings, hedgehogs, Tamworth pigs and seahorses to name a few.
Like the rest of England however, the wildlife and wild places we share our home with are under threat from habitat loss, development, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Our nature is vital, and we all have a role in helping it recover.
Get involved in Sussex Nature Recovery by taking our public survey
Tell us what's important to you: your favourite places to experience nature in Sussex, the wildlife you love to see, and whether you’ve noticed any changes (good or bad) to habitats and species locally. You don’t have to be an expert.
The views you share in this survey and via our upcoming events will be added to a list of priorities for nature’s recovery. There will be one list for East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and one for West Sussex.
What happens next
Once the priorities for nature's recovery in Sussex have been gathered, they will be reviewed and shortlisted. We'll then be working with landowners, land managers, community groups and organisations to identify the practical and achievable actions (measures) that can be taken to deliver them.
Have a question? Read the FAQs
Events
Over 2024 we’re planning a series of online and in person events where you can get further involved in Sussex Nature Recovery. Check back regularly to find out more or sign up to our newsletter for updates.
Other ways to help nature in Sussex
There are lots of ways to get involved in nature's recovery in your local area. Here are just a few.
If you have a garden or outdoor space:
- Plant native and pollinator-friendly plants such wildflowers, or give nature a helping had with a bird nesting box or hedgehog house. Read more gardening tips from the Woodlands Trust or add your garden to the Weald to Waves Gardens & Greenspaces Network.
If you have some spare time, voluneer with a local project or conservation group:
- 'Friends of' groups care for our parks and green spaces. Search for the Friends of group for your local park, or check out these websites for groups in Brighton & Hove: BHGreenSpaceForum, Peacehaven, Newhaven and Seaford: Greenhavens Network, Adur & Worthing: Green Tides.
- Volunteer for your local conservation charity. There are lots of ways to get involved at Sussex Wildlife Trust, Arun & Rother Rivers Trust, or Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust
- Or search Community Works for a broader selection of volunteering opportunities in Adur & Worthing and Brighton & Hove, 3VA for Wealden, Eastbourne & Lewes, and RVA for Rother.
Make changes at home:
- Reduce your waste and be mindful of your water usage, opt to refill, recycle and reuse rather than buying new, and never pour oil down the sink. Find lots more sustainability advice and help from Sussex Green Living.
Join or set up your own community group:
- Be inspired by the fantastic things that other communities are doing in their local area. Greener Steyning, Manhood Wildlife & Heritage Group, Rother Envrionmental Group and Sussex Underwater are just a few examples.
Donate to a charity or to envrionmental cause:
- Become a member or regular giver, give in memory or on a special occassion, or raise funds by taking on a challenge,
Stay informed
- Keep abreast of what’s going on and make your voice heard.
