Pevensey Levels - Reeds, Fens, Restoration and Resilience
Jamie Parsons
Head of Nature Reserves
Sussex Wildlife Trust and National Highways have joined forces to launch an exciting and ambitious Network for Nature project to bring Pevensey Levels back to life as one of the great biodiverse wetlands of the UK, benefiting people, nature and wildlife.
You pass through the Pevensey Levels driving from Eastbourne to Bexhill on the A259. It stretches over 3,500 hectares (13.5 sq. miles) between Eastbourne, Hailsham and Bexhill. It has many designations, such as SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), SAC (Special Area for Conservation) and RAMSAR (an International Designation for Important Wetlands). Yet, many people are unaware of its international importance.
It is a landscape dominated by big skies, acres of lush wet grassland, intersected by many miles of ditches filled with nationally rare aquatic species. However, there used to be another element Pevensey was famous for, which has all but disappeared, and that is huge flocks of wetland birds. Through history, the levels have transitioned from salt marsh through to freshwater marsh, then grazing marsh and today it's an important grazing area for agriculture in the South East, with animals being turned out in spring for finishing (fattening up) on the lush wet grassland before market.
In 1996, Sussex Wildlife Trust purchased 150 hectares of land on the Levels which was subsequently designated a National Nature Reserve along with a parcel of land owned by Natural England. The reserve supports rare species such as the Fen Raft Spider, at least 25 rare aquatic molluscs, 16 species of Odonata such as Hairy Dragonfly, along with a huge number of rare aquatic invertebrates and plants.
However, when we purchased the site in the late 1990s, there were large flocks of waterfowl and waders overwintering on the reserve, along with small numbers of Lapwing and Redshank breeding. Today, these flocks have all but disappeared from the Levels.
So what has caused this decline? Essentially it comes down to water. Availability of water at the right time of year is critical for a healthy, balanced system. This balance has been altered due to extensive water management infrastructure installed on the Levels in the 1970s. Water is pumped off the Levels in winter and held back in the summer, resulting in water levels being held at a constant all year round. Good news for farming. But when you bring in challenges of increased water extraction and climate change, suddenly this system starts to fail. With less water flowing through the system and hotter summers causing more evaporation, the system is working to a deficit with less and less water being held within the wetland, causing it to dry out.
With £600,000 funding from the Network for Nature project, we have begun our restoration project by carrying out earth works on our reserve. These have been taking place over recent months. The aim is to create a mosaic of habitats by blocking and meandering ditches, digging scrapes and creating deeper ponds as well as undulations. Together, these measures will help ‘re-wet’ the Levels, allowing wetland species to re-colonise lost territories.
We are also working in partnership with farmers, neighbours and partners, in order to raise water levels and create new habitat where we can to restore wetlands more widely on the Pevensey Levels. The aim is to create an archipelago of wetland habitat right across the Levels providing stepping stones for species to move through the landscape.
As you might expect, initially the transformation is creating a lot of mud! We hope the earthworks will be finished around December 2024, after which the restoration of the habitat will slowly begin. We will keep you up to date as to progress along the way. Follow our blogs and social media updates and join us on this exciting journey to bring Pevensey Levels back to life.
Comments
This sounds great. I hope you haven’t encountered too much opposition from farmers.
Will you be providing access for visitors?
21 Nov 2024 11:30:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The site has never been open to the public so we will have to be very careful if we were to do so to ensure we limit disturbance. However, we will look to put on some guided walks next year once the site has had a chance to settle to allow people to view the project.
Will these restored areas be accessible to the bird-watching public?
Still good, if not.
21 Nov 2024 11:31:00
Are there likely to be volunteering opportunities once the machinery works have been completed?
21 Nov 2024 11:32:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
We will be looking at volunteer opportunities next year which will mostly be around species and habitat monitoring but nothing is decided yet.
This is fantastic news!
Is any volunteer help required?
21 Nov 2024 11:34:00
A great project! As a keen birder, I always feel the area has a lot to offer, but there is very limited access. I understand issues over disturbance, but it would be good to incorporate an appropriately scaled facility for parking and a viewing screen/hide in due course. As has been shown elsewhere, engaging people with birds and wildlife makes them more aware and likely to support and protect nature.
21 Nov 2024 11:36:00
What a wonderful idea
21 Nov 2024 11:36:00
This is so exciting. I drive along the A259 frequently and often see the buzzard, the kestrel, the heron and one or two waterfowl flying over. I used to see lapwing (and swans) years ago on the wetfields to the south of Hailsham. How glorious it would be to see these beautiful birds flocking again. It’s always wonderful to see birds (or any native species) thriving in our current, damaged, environment. Thank you for all of the efforts to make this possible, Ella Moonbridge
21 Nov 2024 11:40:00
thank you for this article however it does not explain what business is responsible for the water management and whether it is still necessary? In addition if that is a private company should that company not be contributing to restoring the “ Levels”?
21 Nov 2024 11:42:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The Pevensey and Cuckmere Water Level Management Board is responsible for the water levels across the Levels. They have a broad list of objectives to work towards around water levels. But they are very supportive of our project and we are working closely with them on future drainage projects on the Levels to ensure biodiversity and climate resilience are priorities. You can find out more here: https://www.wlma.org.uk/pevensey-cuckmere/home/
Do the long term plans for the restoration include public access in due course?
21 Nov 2024 11:42:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The site has never been open to the public so we will have to be very careful if we were to do so to ensure we limit disturbance. However, we will look to put on some guided walks next year once the site has had a chance to settle to allow people to view the project.
This sounds like really good news. Pevensey marshes have always been a magical, relatively natural looking area. These improvements for bird life etc. must be well worthwhile. Bon courage!
21 Nov 2024 11:47:00
Fantastic! Well done everyone. It would be great to see the birds returning…
21 Nov 2024 11:52:00
As owners of a small private nature reserve supported by SWT, this is wonderful news. We look forward to visiting the levels in the future.
21 Nov 2024 11:52:00
Excellent news! Please keep me informed of any news and activities.
21 Nov 2024 11:59:00
Is it possible to visit the reserve?
21 Nov 2024 12:02:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The site has never been open to the public so we will have to be very careful if we were to do so to ensure we limit disturbance. However, we will look to put on some guided walks next year once the site has had a chance to settle to allow people to view the project.
Brilliant, it’s a wonderful piece of landscape even before you start work. Is there a map, and will there be footpaths through the area?
21 Nov 2024 12:03:00
Exciting stuff!
21 Nov 2024 12:05:00
Please
21 Nov 2024 12:15:00
Excellent news! Thank you for sharing this vital project with members. Who knows what more might be done through links with Network for Nature and/or other like minded organisations in the future.
21 Nov 2024 12:19:00
My ancestors were smugglers on the Pevensey Levels. Great to hear of the work going on.
21 Nov 2024 12:22:00
Great news! Hope access will be available for bird watchers.
21 Nov 2024 12:35:00
Love this project! Is there any way to get involved/ volunteer in bringing it about?
21 Nov 2024 12:36:00
Wonderful idea as long as the recent planning consent for housing doesn’t encroach even more than it already is and put pressure on the water from the wetland. Right house right place?
21 Nov 2024 12:37:00
Pevensey Levels is a site I’ve known since childhood, and family holidays in that area. To see it restored to recolonisation by wetlands species will be wonderful.
21 Nov 2024 12:42:00
I’ve been dreaming of returning the levels to a wetland for years and years with no expectations anyone would do anything like it.
So many reasons I think it could be just as good for human benefits as the rest of the ecosystem.
Amazing ❤️
21 Nov 2024 12:49:00
Fantastic news. Will the Pevensey Levels be open to SWT members and the public please?
21 Nov 2024 12:50:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The site has never been open to the public so we will have to be very careful if we were to do so to ensure we limit disturbance. However, we will look to put on some guided walks next year once the site has had a chance to settle to allow people to view the project.
As a local to this area with memories of what the Pevensey Levels used to be like in the 1960 – 1980s, I will be delighted to see the birds back and the land restored to how it should be.
21 Nov 2024 12:52:00
we love Rye Harbour wetland – hope Pevensey goes well and follows Rye.
21 Nov 2024 12:53:00
That is fantastic news and that’s really going to be such a shot in the arm for the nature and biodiversity within this habitat.
I’ve many happy memories of this area from the 70’s to the present day.
It is encouraging that such an ambitious project is getting help too.
Collaboration with farmers is often fraught with conflict.
Even more so in these tougher climate change times.
Good luck and can’t wait for the return of the birds too.
21 Nov 2024 13:03:00
That is fantastic news. Hopefully work can be carried out without any opposition and we will all be able to enjoy the wild life once it returns. Well done!
21 Nov 2024 13:11:00
Great news. And great to have a name to contact
A few years ago I started looking at the possibility of monitoring the Salterns on the levels.
At the time I was in contact with one of your ex colleagues about this project.
Sadly Covid intervened and all went very quiet.
Recently I have, privately, started reworking the project prior to remaking contact.
The intention is to ask for approval to lead a small group of members of the Eastbourne Regional Group of SWT.
Another dual interest relates to the archaeology of The Cuckmere Valley.
At a recent talk at the Lewes Archaeology Group Professor Martin Bell said that he was working with SWT in what I understood was joint investigation.
Having one foot in Wildlife and another in archaeology I would be very interested in volunteering if that is appropriate.
I was the Chair of ERGSWT for several years and I was also the Chair of Eastbourne Natural History and Archaeology Society.
So my question/comment is should I carry on with the Levels project planning
I look forward to your response to this ‘comment
Regards
Ian
21 Nov 2024 13:21:00
The Pevensey Levels used to be my playground 65 years ago. Despite the remains of RAF Wartling, it teamed with wildlife that was accepted as normal. It is very heartwarming to hear that past is to be restored.
21 Nov 2024 13:25:00
Looks like The Fens – we just watched a programme called that.
21 Nov 2024 13:31:00
What about access for the public to enjoy the levels and the nature therein?
21 Nov 2024 13:36:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The site has never been open to the public so we will have to be very careful if we were to do so to ensure we limit disturbance. However, we will look to put on some guided walks next year once the site has had a chance to settle to allow people to view the project.
This wonderful news lifts my heart.
21 Nov 2024 13:38:00
Very impressive and heartening. Thank you, to all involved.
21 Nov 2024 13:38:00
Excellent news- it is sad to have seen such a decline in birds over the years . It questions whether Natural England has somewhat taken its eye of the ball when one considers the designation of the Levels as Internationally important. Wish the project every success.
21 Nov 2024 13:43:00
All sounds like great news, I actually love lapwings, but the grazing of farm animals needs to be
address more stringently. If agricultural farmers could be encouraged to become arable farmers
then there would be no need for animal grazing. I envisage a world where all humans become
Vegan. No more carbon/methane damaging the environment. No cruelty to other living beings.
A win win scenario plus a balanced eco system for all the wildlife.
21 Nov 2024 13:46:00
I live in Herstmonceux, and know the Pevensey levels very well. Many hours of walking around there. One of my favourite places to get away from it all and observe wildlife and nature.
21 Nov 2024 13:50:00
An excellent and exciting project which we look forward to following. As others have mentioned, if you need any volunteers to help at any stage please add me to the list.
21 Nov 2024 14:18:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Thank you. We will be looking at volunteer opportunities next year which will mostly be around species and habitat monitoring but nothing is decided yet.
Great to hear about this project. Fantastic news, thank you.
21 Nov 2024 14:35:00
Very interesting. Do you at some point have plans to let sea water in to restore salt marsh?
21 Nov 2024 14:52:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Currently no, but the impact of climate change and rising sea levels with more severe storms will certainly increase the chances of this happening so it is certainly part of our long term planning.
This is such a welcome plan. We live nearby and to think we may see the beautiful flocks of waders and lapwings again is wonderful. We wish this initiative every success.
21 Nov 2024 14:57:00
I was involved with the Pevensey levels 15 years ago when working for the environment agency so I’m very interested in this project.
21 Nov 2024 14:58:00
What great news. We live in Herstmonceux and cycle across the levels throughout the year and watch the changing seasons. This year a lack of butterflies but lots if dragonflies. Birdlife differs yearly but some cuckoos, some swans and herons but no egrets.
21 Nov 2024 15:05:00
This is such good news. Well done. As a keen cyclist, landscape painter & of course amateur naturalist this is a wonderful Christmas present 😂. I look forward to even more delicious rides & painting opportunities next year & onwards!
21 Nov 2024 15:18:00
I love that area. It sounds so exciting what you are doing. And would love to be kept up to date with progress
21 Nov 2024 15:22:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Thank you, we will be posting updates on our website and social media channels
Sounds excellent I wondered what the diggers were up to as I’ve driven across the marsh daily to work. I have spotted a couple of lap wings and a marsh harrier this year as well as the more common birds. Is this project along the lines of say wild Ken Hill in Norfolk or the wetland project in the lake district?
21 Nov 2024 15:50:00
The wildlife on the levels has changed considerably over the years. There used to be great flocks of lapwing, and many more Herons. There were also water voles and hares, and I remember seeing Otters a well. Now we have Little Egrets. There was also an abundance of edible mushrooms , puffballs and other fungi. The funding you have received is welcome, but whilst appreciating that the minimum disturbance is necessary I feel that access to the public would be beneficial. Perhaps in the form of a designated path and a bird hide. Many of the footpaths across the levels are overgrown and not clearly waymarked, the path along the drove at the Star Inn carpark to Hooe being an example.
21 Nov 2024 16:26:00
We would love this to work but there is so much polluted run off and too much sewage being pumped in to the rivers and streams on the Levels from the overdevelopment of the area around Hailsham for it to be practical. The EA don’t do anything about objecting to this development, but the areas of the Levels that are accessible to the public (White Dyke,Horseye and Whelpley Levels) are virtually devoid of wildlife now and its getting worse as even more development is allowed on the edge of the Levels. You can smell the detergent in the water when you walk along the paths.
21 Nov 2024 16:29:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The two main sources of water for our reserve are rain water and from the Wallers Haven so fortunately poor water quality is not such an issue for us as it is for other land owners on the Levels.
It’s great news to see the work that the trust is doing to restore the levels having witnessed the decline over the years.
21 Nov 2024 16:32:00
This is a great start. You will have to work hard to prevent pollution from all the building on the higher ground around the levels, but it will be a joy to see flocks of lapwings etc, instead of the few that we see now! Fantastic news, thank you.
21 Nov 2024 16:33:00
I grew up in Westham from 1944 until 1969. I used to wander the levels from a very young age and had no idea what a privilege that was. I fished in the Pevensey Haven at Broadwater, Chilley Bridge and Rickney. My father came to Wartling in 1943/44 to battle the V1 etc . I knew the Plumley and Miller families as well as the Banks family who farmed over your NNR. I wish you success with your project and it would be nice to see some of the wild life. I am guessing you will join up with the efforts at Montague Farm as detailed in BW Magazine several years ago.
21 Nov 2024 16:35:00
Wonderful. When we were young in the fifties we played and explored on Mountney Levels where there were so many skylarks and lapwings, now we never see them.
21 Nov 2024 16:52:00
Delighted that this special area is now having a “facelift” for Nature, and hope that there will be some public access once the project is completed ?
21 Nov 2024 16:54:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The site has never been open to the public so we will have to be very careful if we were to do so to ensure we limit disturbance. However, we will look to put on some guided walks next year once the site has had a chance to settle to allow people to view the project.
This is great news. I am excited by the project and grateful for the work the Sussex Wildlife Trust carries out. Proud to be a member. Will follow with interest.
21 Nov 2024 16:55:00
No opposition from this farmer. Nor from the Pevensey Farmers cluster group, 55 farmers trying to effect better nature conservation across the whole of the Levels. Great project set to make real change.
21 Nov 2024 17:09:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Thank you for your support
That’s brilliant news.
21 Nov 2024 17:25:00
Great to see this initiative locally. Well done. I would echo comments on involvement of the public with birds and wildlife, and whilst I understand the difficulties of managing access, there would be many positives as a result. Looking forward to seeing the lapwings again
21 Nov 2024 17:31:00
I am so happy to hear about the work being done on Pevensey Levels as I live nearby .
A lot of people have been asking about access and parking but please do nothing to encourage members of the public accessing the site . Just let all of the animals / birds do their thing without us dropping rubbish and invading their space .
Keep up your fantastic work
21 Nov 2024 17:33:00
A wonderful project which will surely help the Levels.
Hopefully farmers will support this project too.
Perhaps Wealden Planning should take a closer look and decline any threat to the Levels by allowing housing encroachment. Thank you for your work for our amazing wildlife.
21 Nov 2024 18:04:00
Great to hear some good news. I would love to hear the progress and for lots more projects.
21 Nov 2024 18:06:00
How safe is the water that you are flooding the wetlands with? I understand that there is sewage contaminating the water. Does this not have a bearing on the reduction of wildlife?
21 Nov 2024 19:02:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
The two main sources of water for our reserve is rain water and from the Wallers Haven so fortunately poor water quality is not such an issue for us as it is for other land owners on the Levels.
Great to see this initiative locally. Well done. I would echo comments on involvement of the public with birds and wildlife, and whilst I understand the difficulties of managing access, there would be many positives as a result. Looking forward to seeing the lapwings again
21 Nov 2024 21:05:00
I can remember flocks of Lapwings when I used to go to school on the train to Bexhill from Easthourne in the early to late 70s along there. Such brilliant news.
21 Nov 2024 21:08:00
I have a long-standing connection with the Pevensey Levels from the 1970s look forward to reading how the work is progressing on their restoration. I remember the many different birds that were there
21 Nov 2024 21:18:00
This is so good to hear.
21 Nov 2024 21:57:00
The farming community, because of the poor Government Agricultural budget commitment will require a very sensitive approach. I am sure with my knowledge of several of the Pevensey farming families several of which go back many generations will be happy to associate themselves with regeneration but the clumsy approach by suburban attitudes e.g. demanding axis, will not help. Suburban visitors must learn the rural attitudes of real countrymen who earn their living off the land.they own.
21 Nov 2024 22:26:00
Great news as long as it does not stop farming
22 Nov 2024 08:47:00
We are so glad to see this. I have reported the earlier concerns and this article to the town council as Pevensey Levels form a considerable section of Bexhill’s most westerly ward.
22 Nov 2024 10:21:00
Keep up the good work
22 Nov 2024 10:41:00
Keep up the great work
22 Nov 2024 11:10:00
A very worthy cause, best wishes
22 Nov 2024 12:13:00
You must be very happy to hear of the positive feedback from so many different groups and individuals, including farmers on the Levels itself. I hope that this strengthens your enthusiasm to work together with all parties to achieve the goals you have to restore the life sustaining
qualities of this landscape and that the impact of your work as it progresses can be disseminated as widely as possible – it will make many of us feel a lot better!
22 Nov 2024 12:21:00
This sounds very exciting and very necessary. I look forward to reading the updates.
22 Nov 2024 12:54:00
Wonderful idea as long as the recent planning consent for housing doesn’t encroach even more than it already is and put pressure on the water from the wetland. Right house right place?
22 Nov 2024 18:55:00
This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time and I wish you all the success in your conservation efforts. To see large flocks of birds again will bring joy to many hearts.
22 Nov 2024 19:22:00
Sounds like a good thing, the decline is nothing to do with housing development almost right up to the Levels at Hailsham?
22 Nov 2024 19:43:00
Please consider setting up hides in various locations (perhaps on the edges of the reserve) so that members can view the birdlife which we all hope will return, whilst causing as little disturbance as possible.
22 Nov 2024 20:32:00
A trail around the reserve is essential, not optional. The public needs to see nature, recognize its importance, see how public finds are used. Nature cannot be fenced off – it needs the public onside. I have been round Woods Mill, Burton Mill Ponds, across Amberley Wild Brooks all dozens of times as a bird watcher and never seen people wandering off the path. Indeed in a wet grassland setting like Amberley Brooks, Henfield Levels, Beeding Brooks etc you can’t – too many drainage ditches, too boggy, etc. Renaturing is nothing and will not command public support without ACCESSIBILITY.
22 Nov 2024 20:45:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
We hear you, and agree public support is critical nature recovery. We are looking into ways that we can balance accessibility with the sensitivity and practical location of the site. We’ll be listing a webinar about the project soon, which will hopefully give you a chance to learn more about the project.
brilliant, cant wait to see and hear the lapwings again. Maybe skylarks too?
22 Nov 2024 21:42:00
Such a special place! (I did my MSc fieldwork on the reserve and it’s forever fixed in my mind). More (and bigger) ponds and damp patches will certainly bring great benefits.
23 Nov 2024 09:38:00
I used to live very close to the Pevensey Levels. I often used to see flocks of lapwing close to the Star PH on Herbrand/ Sluice lane. Great project and will enjoy seeing your updates.
23 Nov 2024 13:28:00
I agree that as regards public access the priority should be protecting and increasing the amount of birds . Rye harbour reserve is set up for lots of public access . If a hide can be put on the edge so be it but the wildlife should be primary given the state we have got this country into by our lifestyles demands negligence and increase in numbers.
23 Nov 2024 16:17:00
This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time and I wish you all the success in your conservation efforts. To see large flocks of birds again will bring joy to many hearts.
23 Nov 2024 16:49:00
Well done folks, we look forward to seeing the results.
23 Nov 2024 20:16:00
Fantastic to see this. Well done to all involved 🐦⬛🌱
24 Nov 2024 10:52:00
I used to live very close to the Pevensey Levels. I often used to see flocks of lapwing close to the Star PH on Herbrand/ Sluice lane. Great project and will enjoy seeing your updates.
24 Nov 2024 15:24:00
Great work
24 Nov 2024 15:35:00
Well done for all your work and I wish you luck with getting the birds back
24 Nov 2024 15:37:00
That’s great, and I look forward to receiving the updates. Many thanks for all this fascination information
24 Nov 2024 17:29:00
Will be good when it is done
24 Nov 2024 19:40:00
This is so good to hear.
24 Nov 2024 22:02:00
This is good news.
Is this part of the Bio diversity Action Plan prepared by the Pevensey and Cuckmere Water Level Management Board’s Implementation Plan of the DEFRA Internal Drainage Board Review for IDB’s Biodiversity Action Plans?
25 Nov 2024 11:45:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
It is not part of this plan but will likely cross over with some of the objectives set by the IDB.
Always had questions as to why the levels were not “invaded “ by birds. Now I have a better understanding.
25 Nov 2024 12:49:00
This is so good to hear.
25 Nov 2024 18:25:00
Great news, nice to hear that restoration project at Pavensey has started.
I hope after restoration project is completed, and access to water, would attract the Wet land birds, and it already has collection of hairy dragon flies and the rarity like Fen raft spider, it would be good idea to open it to public to encourage awareness in nature conservation.
25 Nov 2024 22:58:00
Fantastic! Look forward to reading more.
25 Nov 2024 23:09:00
This sounds exciting. Can members of the public be involved? If not, where can we watch the work in progress, see the plans and track the changes in the landscape?
26 Nov 2024 16:38:00
This is an important project. But it sounds as if limited thought and effort has gone into public engagement. Very few people realise that Britain has a Biodiversity Intactness Index of 54%, one of the worst in the world. (Global average 79%). This is a valuable opportunity, not just to see a few rare species, but to understand what you are doing and why – and how. The science of the landscape and water management, the politics (you only own 150 out of 3500 hectares), the bioscience, the farming – and the engineering! Tell us more. And show us.
26 Nov 2024 17:06:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
You are absolutely correct Justin, landscape scale restoration is critical to a flourishing wetland ecosystem! And you touch on the complexity of trying to achieve this considering the politics of water usage within the area. We would love to share more about this work, we will be leading some guided walks in 2025, alongside a webinar covering some of the areas you highlighted. Hopefully see you there!
A wonderful project. Is Livestock kept off the land that was purchased? Is there any opportunity to acquire more land and would there be a benefit in doing so?
05 Dec 2024 13:18:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Grazing is an integral part of the reserve and keeps the ecosystem in balance, so we will continue to keep animals on the land for the benefit of wildlife. Currently we would really like to support the passionate existing Pevensey farmers to steward the land for the benefit of waders and wildfowl
A valuable project for rewetting our landscapes, especially as fenland habitat is involved that has probably been a source of carbon release as the area has become drier. Obviously you will be monitoring on site, but just wondered if you are looking to do any remote sensing monitoring/evaluation on any aspects of the project?
20 Dec 2024 09:08:00
great news. Will there be improved footpaths across the levels so that its easier to see the birds?
21 Dec 2024 15:02:00
No opposition from this farmer. Nor from the Pevensey Farmers cluster group, 55 farmers trying to effect better nature conservation across the whole of the Levels. Great project set to make real change.
02 Jan 2025 12:38:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Thank you
This is good news. However, it’s a shame that the Trust did not support local people in their efforts to stop a field (owned by the Sackvilles), 50 metres from the Pevensey Levels, being built on by Bellway homes. I also hope that National Highways are more diligent about collecting the rubbish thrown out of cars on the A259. It’s usually left for months and then chopped into small pieces when the verges are cut resulting in small particles of plastic being able to flow into the waterways. Regular litter picking and signage informing people they are driving through an internationally protected site would help I’m sure. I’d welcome a response.
04 Jan 2025 22:33:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
As a Trust we are aware that development pressure in Sussex is extremely high and while we do not have the ability to engage with every planning application that is put forward we do ensure we following the strategic planning process closely for all 16 Local Planning Authorities here in Sussex. This means we actively engaged to try and remove the most damaging allocations and promote positive policies for biodiversity. This requires us to actively influence the evidence base, respond to consultations and attending and speak at Examinations in Public.
However the public and local voice is incredibly important for defending nature, therefore we provide advice to local groups and individuals concerned about planning proposals through our WildCall service, dedicated webpages and we work in collaboration with other eNGOs to establish a planning hub to spread peer to peer advice on how to approach and engage with planning.