6 things we love about Sussex 

From its tranquil places and beautiful landscapes to its biodiversity and passionate campaigners, there is much to celebrate, and protect, on our doorsteps.

1. Unique landscapes

We enjoy wonderful landscapes in Sussex, including the High Weald and Chichester Harbour National Landscapes, ancient woodlands, riverside meadows and much-loved green spaces in our towns and villages. These landscapes provide homes for wildlife, environmental benefits, places to work and places to relax – that’s why it’s so important to protect them.

2. Stunning coastlines

Our coastline, with the Seven Sisters cliffs, is one of the most iconic in the UK. Alongside the stunning vistas of white cliffs, saltmarsh and estuarine habitats provide homes to wildfowl and sea creatures, while our beaches, both pebble and sandy, bring employment and enjoyment. We will continue to campaign for cleaner waterways and environmentally-sound development to ensure these coastlines can still be enjoyed for generations to come.

3. Tranquil spaces for wellbeing

With all the pressures of modern life, tranquil places are increasingly important for our health and wellbeing. Areas of quiet countryside like Ashdown Forest or parts of the South Downs allow us to recharge our batteries. However, once tranquillity is lost, it’s hard to restore. So we need to protect tranquil areas from increased aircraft noise by not expanding Gatwick Airport; and from intrusive road traffic noise by avoiding developments generating more car use.

4. Fantastic biodiversity

Sussex is home to a rich diversity of species and habitats – from the heathland in Ashdown Forest and chalk grassland of the South Downs, to ancient, coppiced woodland with bluebells, featuring in David Attenborough’s ‘Wild Isles’. About 80 protected species live in Sussex, ranging from dormice to bats. There are also about 500 species recognised as a priority for conservation. However, less than 16 per cent of Sussex is protected for its wildlife value. It is vital we treasure these sites and seek every opportunity to increase biodiversity in Sussex.

5. Urban trees, ancient woodland and hedgerows

Our urban trees, countryside woodlands and hedgerows enhance the landscape and store carbon, helping to slow climate change. They provide homes for wildlife, including nest sites and song posts for many of our familiar birds, and reduce flood risk. That is why it is vital to not just protect existing trees and woodland but also encourage new planting through schemes like Plant Your Postcode and hedgerow planting. The Brighton & Hove Tree Festival highlighted how much people love urban trees, with stunning photos taken for our ‘I love this tree because…’ competition.

6. Dedicated campaigners and volunteers

Our favourite thing about Sussex is the dedicated campaigners and volunteers working tirelessly to help protect and enhance our countryside and urban green spaces. Whether it is communities organising renewable energy cooperatives or supporters of our rooftop revolution solar energy campaign to help cut climate-changing pollution; people fighting the destruction of ancient woodland or sewage pollution; or our own trustees and volunteers – they are an invaluable resource. Without them, we would not be able to shape a greener future for Sussex.

To find out more about how you could help protect and enhance our favourite things about Sussex, visit our Get Involved page.