The first strategy designed to reverse the decline in biodiversity across East Sussex has been published.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove have been shaped by the views and knowledge of more than 2,000 local people.
“Nature underpins vital sectors of the local economy,” said a spokesperson for East Sussex County Council. “Including farming and tourism, access to nature supports our health and wellbeing, and working with nature can help tackle pressures such as flood risk and water quality.”
The strategy says measures can be taken by farmers, residents, community groups and organisations to improve habitats that include enhancing the condition of existing sand dune habitats like Camber Sands, the habitat most at risk in Europe and considered irreplaceable.
The water vole has suffered long-term decline across Britain, and populations are critically low in East Sussex with over 90% lost in the last 30 years. Bankside management and the creation of wetland would help the regionally important populations found in Pett and Rye Levels.
Improving the management of our woodland and hedgerows would support the hazel dormouse for which East Sussex is a stronghold, and creating an improved network of habitats which will support the endangered grey long-eared bat of which the county has seen an increase.
Councillor Peter Griffiths, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for environment, said, “We are extremely lucky to live in a county with such a rich natural heritage, and this strategy will go a long way towards restoring, creating and enhancing habitats and species including the spiked rampion plant and Adonis blue butterfly.”
The full strategy including priorities and measures and a local habitat map can be found at SussexNatureRecovery.org.uk
Image Credits: Rye Harbour Nature Reserve .