New strategy launched to reverse biodiversity decline across East Sussex

A new strategy aimed at reversing the decline in biodiversity across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove has been published.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy has been developed using the views and knowledge of more than 2,000 local people and sets out measures designed to improve habitats and support wildlife.

The strategy includes eight principles, 24 priorities and more than 100 practical actions which could be taken by farmers, residents, community groups and organisations.

It aims to create, improve and connect habitats, while focusing work on areas where it could provide the greatest benefits for wildlife and local communities.

Among the habitats highlighted is the sand dune system at Camber Sands, which the strategy says is considered irreplaceable and is among the habitats most at risk in Europe.

The plan also focuses on the water vole, whose population in East Sussex has fallen by more than 90 per cent over the past 30 years.

Measures including improved management of riverbanks and the creation of wetland habitats could help populations in areas including the Pett and Rye Levels and Lewes Brooks.

Woodland and hedgerow management is also included in the strategy, with the aim of helping species such as the hazel dormouse.

East Sussex is considered a stronghold for the species.

The strategy also proposes creating better-connected habitats for the endangered grey long-eared bat, which has seen an increase in numbers in East Sussex.

Cllr Peter Griffiths, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for environment, said: “I wholeheartedly support these measures to increase the numbers and diversity of our native species, and I would love to see our rivers and sea return to the water quality they once enjoyed.”

He added: “More than half of the area covered by this strategy has special designation for its natural beauty including internationally important wetlands, and East Sussex is one of the most wooded counties in England with a number of ancient woodlands.

“We are extremely lucky to live in a county with such a rich natural heritage, and this strategy will go a long way towards restoring, creating and enhancing habitats and species including the spiked rampion plant and Adonis blue butterfly.”

The strategy is one of 48 Local Nature Recovery Strategies being produced across England.

Its publication marks the end of the preparation stage and the beginning of work to put the proposals into practice.

James Seymour, Natural England deputy director for Sussex and Kent, said the strategy provides a framework for organisations and communities to work together to restore nature.

He said: “This builds on the successes achieved to date, but also reflects a clear recognition that, without a more joined-up approach and sustained investment, we will not meet our ambition of restoring nature.

“The LNRS provides the framework to achieve this.”

The strategy also highlights the role nature plays in sectors including farming and tourism, as well as its potential to help address issues such as flood risk, water quality and public wellbeing.

The full strategy, including its priorities, proposed measures and a local habitat map, is available through the Sussex Nature Recovery website.

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