© Stuart ConwayProtecting special sites
Looking after our reserves
Sussex Wildlife Trust manages over 30 sites across the county, from rare chalk grassland and heathland to ancient woodlands, rich wetlands and lowland meadows. These include some of Sussex’s most beloved and biodiverse places.
Our teams of rangers, graziers, volunteers and partners work to maintain the right conditions for some of Sussex’s rarest species to thrive, and to bring nature back with ambitious restoration and rewilding schemes that are transforming landscapes.
Conservation action across Sussex
Supporting communities and land managers
Across the county, many local communities are working tirelessly to defend, manage and restore spaces for nature. Sussex Wildlife Trusts supports independent groups with advice, practical training and networking.
In target project areas we go further, co-ordinating volunteer conservation ‘hit squads’ and land management advice visits through our ‘Wilder’ landscape projects. Meanwhile the Wilder Schools programme supports schools to develop their grounds in nature and climate positive ways.
Brighton Hit Squad Huw Morgan
Pyramidal Orchid on brownfield site © Terry Whittaker/2020VISIONDevelopment
Challenging bad planning
Nature positive development can help address the climate and nature crises, as well as delivering much needed housing for people. But done badly, development can cause serious harm to wildlife and exacerbate climate change.
In Sussex, we want to see plan-led strategic development that creates positive outcomes for people and nature. The UK Government is undertaking the biggest drive for housebuilding and green energy in 70 years. We are working to influence strategic planning documents, national planning policy and decision makers at local and national levels to put nature at the heart of this drive.
Protecting marine habitats
Standing up for seas
The coastline and seas of Sussex are under huge pressure from human activities, and so much of what goes on under the waves goes unseen.
Our role is to champion the incredible marine places and wildlife that exists just off our shores, to understand what’s happening in those hard-to-see places, and to shift attitudes and behaviours.
That can mean working with communities to explore and protect their local beaches, using our data and expertise to help remove or decrease pressures on fragile habitats, or being a critical friend to decision-makers by calling out poor decisions and championing best practice.
Stop Dumping on our Reef rally at Brighton Marina Jan 2025 Rally © Kai Hilton © Kai Hilton
