Our Wild Sussex: Helping nature to recover

By Nikki Hills 

Director of Communities

Research tells us that when a critical mass of people engages in conservation efforts, it creates a ripple effect, tipping the balance and igniting widespread change.

In a world increasingly disconnected from the natural environment we are now working towards inspiring 1 in 4 people in Sussex to take direct action to help nature to recover by 2030.

We want to give a voice to young people, inspire children, and provide training and support to teachers. Our volunteers will be trained in a diverse range of roles, we will empower communities and provide practical advice and lead campaigns to promote action for wildlife locally.

Our youth-led Deneway’s Wild Future project encourages young people aged 16-25 to get involved in the management of a nature reserve, gaining valuable skills in conservation and engagement. In addition, our Wilder Communities team is working with an ecologist to train local community groups across east and west Sussex, advising and helping them to improve their greenspaces for wildlife.

We are building on our successful Forest School and Wild Beach training with teachers, initially in Brighton and Crawley, so more school children can connect with their local green and blue spaces. Our plans also include upskilling and supporting teachers to improve their school grounds for wildlife.

An important part of our work will be giving people pathways into conservation. Currently, we have two trainees starting on a year-long programme of acquiring conservation skills and learning how to connect people with nature through Forest School training. Further traineeships are planned at our Rye Harbour Discovery Centre.

We now have two dedicated coastal officers who will develop our Wild Beach and Shoresearch programme – a national citizen science survey of the shore. This will open up new opportunities for people to take action to protect the amazing marine and coastal wildlife in Sussex. A strong focus will be rewilding the Sussex seabed.

With your help and support, we can create a Sussex rich in wildlife, valued and protected by everyone.

Find out more: Our Wild Sussex strategic plan