A new action plan has been implemented to help a vital area of saltmarsh in Shoreham to recover, after Natural England highlighted the poor condition of the area.

Friends of Adur SSSI was set up two years ago with the support of local conservation and wildlife groups, including Shoreham District Ornithological Society, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, RSPB and Sussex Wildlife Trust, as well as Adur and Worthing Councils.

They have been working with Natural England, the statutory body responsible for the SSSI, after it decided measures needed to be taken to more carefully manage Adur River’s saltmarsh and wildlife.

Sarah Hunt, from the Friends, said: “FoASSSI will lead the implementation of recommendations in the management plan, engaging all parties to create the conditions for this SSSI to recover.”

Adur Estuary SSSI is now the only saltmarsh between Rye Harbour and Pagham Harbour

placeholder image — Adur Estuary SSSI is now the only saltmarsh between Rye Harbour and Pagham Harbour

The Friends are implementing a new action plan after Natural England's management report highlighted the continuing poor condition of this area and how recovery can happen.

Samantha Smithson, from the Friends, said: “We are lucky to have a nature reserve so close to our town that offers such accessible nature connection. Our message is simply to remind people to stay on the formal paths which will enable the saltmarsh to recover and give space to the birds as they feed and rest.”

The small but vital stretch of saltmarsh and intertidal mud on the banks of the Adur River in Shoreham was designated a SSSI in 1987. The habitat provides resting and feeding grounds for various wading birds.

Natural England’s new report identifies many pressures on the habitat from coastal squeeze, development, invasive species, poor water quality and significant disturbance caused by the activities of humans and dogs.

Redshank and other birds rest in the RSPB nature reserve. Picture: Lance Bellers

It proposes public awareness campaigns among other measures to promote the recovery of the habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Since forming, the Friends has become a growing community of volunteers who care about this nature space. The group raises public awareness through community events, has secured funding from Sussex Bay for binoculars to enable visitors to events to see the birds more closely and received grants from Adur Council for signage to help guide people and their dogs to stay on the paths.

Tony Benton, chair of Shoreham District Ornithological Society said: “We greatly welcome the publication of this management plan. The recommendations for improving the condition of the SSSI are clear and realistic. The SSSI is an amazing place for people to connect with nature in an urban setting and we look forward to supporting the Friends group with their work.”

Visit friendsofadursssi.org.uk/natural-england for full details of the ecological assessment and the measures the Friends are working to implement.

Funding from Sussex Bay paid for binoculars to enable visitors to see the birds more closely during community safari walks

The Friends point out saltmarsh was once extensive along the south coast but the area in the Adur Estuary is now the only saltmarsh between Rye Harbour and Pagham Harbour. It includes a small RSPB nature reserve with rare flora, which acts as a resting area for overwintering and migratory birds like redshank, dunlin and ringed plover.