On 16th July, the South Downs National Park Authority granted planning permission for the National Trust’s proposed restoration of 42 hectares (100 acres) of saltmarsh and mudflat at Chyngton Brooks.
SOS submitted a letter of support for this application, and we’re delighted to see it approved.
This project will provide valuable habitat for wetland birds, especially species that overwinter in the area. Curlew, Dunlin, and Lapwing – all red-listed species – will benefit from the increased area of saltmarsh and mudflats. It will also increase the biodiversity in Sussex, which holds less than 1% of the saltmarsh in the UK.
The western bank of the Cuckmere River will be breached in five locations, allowing the tide to flow in and out and gradually recreating saltmarsh and mudflat. Historically, Chyngton Brooks was made up of intertidal habitat, but in 1846, the land was drained to make it more suitable for agricultural use. This resulted in the loss of coastal habitat and in reliance on sea defences that are expensive to maintain. By working with the natural processes of the coastline and building on their past success with managed realignments, the National Trust will return the western floodplain of Chyngton Brooks to a naturally functioning estuary habitat.
Access for birders will also be improved. A section of the existing footpath that is difficult to navigate in wet weather and is degrading in many places will be replaced with a new footpath slightly up the slope, where it will be less prone to flooding. It will link up with the Vanguard Way/King Charles III England Coast Path. A detailed map is available on the National Trust’s project page. Walkers will be able to use the new footpath for good views across the estuary without disturbing the birds.
The National Trust project schedule has work starting in 2026-2027. The area will gradually revert to saltmarsh over time, with pioneer saltmarsh species likely to colonise the site within a year, and well-developed saltmarsh vegetation to be established over the next few years.
The SOS welcomes this change, and looks forward to the benefits that birds and birders will both enjoy.
Dunlin – Gary Faulkner