Sussex Shoresearch

Shoresearch is a citizen science volunteer scheme to identify and record animals, plants and habitats along our shoreline. The aim of the project is to build a baseline of data on intertidal wildlife around Sussex to help promote its conservation.

What does Shoresearch do?

The Sussex Shoresearch team organises a programme of surveys throughout the year when we visit selected sites around the coast and record the species and habitats we find.

We conduct a variety of different surveys, including general 'walkover' surveys as well as more quantitative studies using quadrats and timed species searches. We usually survey for 2 - 3 hours.

We've surveyed a number of different locations over the years - this is where we went in 2025

You can read further information about what we achieved in 2021 in the below newsletter:

Sussex Shoresearch Newsletter 2021 ( 4MB)

Can I join?

We welcome volunteers of all ability and experience to join Shoresearch. The surveys provide a great opportunity for those new to marine life identifications and marine surveys to learn in the field from experienced Shoresearchers.

Shoresearch surveys are not suitable for young children, and we ask not to bring dogs. We ask that anyone under 18 years old who is interested in getting involved to get in touch with us directly.

How to get involved:

If you would like to join Shoresearch please contact our marine team by emailing [email protected]

2026 survey dates:

Tuesday 31^st March – 15:30 – Saltdean
Friday 17^th April – 15:30 – Seven Sisters
Friday 1^st May –16:30 - Pett Level Beach
Friday 15^th May - 14:45 The Pound, Eastbourne
Monday 18th May - 17:45 - Bexhill-on-Sea
Friday 12th June - 13:20 - West Beach, Selsey
Tuesday 14th July - 16:00 - Brighton Marina East
Monday 20th July - 08:15 - Newhaven
Tuesday 4th August - 08:00 - Climping
Tuesday 11th August - 15:30 - Goring Pipe
Friday 28th August - 14:15 - East Pilsey, Chichester Harbour
Friday 11th September - 16:30 - Bognor Rocks, Aldwick

For surveys, please bring:

Appropriate clothing for weather conditions on the day (warm clothing and waterproof trousers are often useful; sun protection)
Sturdy footwear - wellies or other waterproof footwear, preferably with good ankle support
Drinking water
A hand lens is useful, if you have one
Washing-up gloves are useful for poking about in rock-pools in cold weather!
Collins Pocket Guide to the Sea Shore of Britain and Northern Europe is a useful field guide (although not essential)

More opportunities to get involved...

As of 2022, we are pleased to be partnering with Mulberry Marine Experiences (MME) to expand our Shoresearch survey activity. MME will be conducting their own surveys using our methodologies and supplying the data to us. Please see the MME website for details on their surveys and how to book.