More than £1m of funding secured to revitalise Sussex's coastline
Released: Tuesday, 11 February 2025
As the host organisation of Sussex Bay, we're delighted to share that more than £1m of external funding has been secured so far, to support the regeneration of the 100 miles of Sussex coastline and rivers.
Since officially launching in June last year, following five years of preceding collaboration and preparation, Sussex Bay is on a mission to attract funds that support key projects aimed at restoring the region's marine habitats and their coastal communities.
What began with an initial £150,000 of funding from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation has now seen the movement attract more than £1m of external funding in its first year, which will go towards environmental projects, research, education and much more.
In Adur, Sussex Bay is supporting Southwick Reef, an innovative project to enhance marine biodiversity and support wildlife along the East Harbour Arm at Southwick Beach. We are also involved in the project, which is due to launch this summer.
In Worthing, Sussex Bay is backing the transformation of the unutilised Windsor Lawns Rotunda into a new facility where the town's independent commercial fishers can prepare and sell their locally caught fish.
The team is involved in more than 60 projects across the Sussex Bay area, which covers 100 miles of coastline and rivers stretching from Selsey in the west of the county to Camber Sands in the east.
Last week at the Joint Strategic Committee, local councillors noted the progress on the Sussex Bay project and commented how well the project aligns with the councils' ambitions to protect and improve our blue spaces.
As well as supporting and influencing externally-led schemes, Sussex Bay was selected as a partner of the Connected Places Catapult, the UK's innovation accelerator. This programme of work will see innovators develop four high-tech projects that connect people to nature.
Over the summer, the team will announce ways to get involved in the blueprint for seascape recovery, a long-term vision for the area with an aim of enabling people, nature and economy to thrive.
There are no financial implications for councils in the Sussex Bay region, with all high-integrity funds being externally sourced through a competitive process. As the host organisation, we support the movement by offering advice and simply providing office space and networks for its small team.
To read a report on the success of Sussex Bay, see:
For more information on Sussex Bay as a whole, see:
Photo: Lancing Beach - looking east from near The Perch on Lancing Beach Green
Photo: Worthing Beach - looking east from Goring Greensward
(PR25-009)
Page last updated: 21 February 2025