Residents rally to clear up mouth of Cuckmere River

The Seaford community have rallied to help clear up the mouth of Cuckmere River.
By Jennifer Logan
Published 23rd Aug 2020, 19:19 BST
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Resident Guy Denney set up a Facebook group asking for volunteers to move enough shingle and create a channel from the sea to the Cuckmere to allow the river to flow into the sea – and within just two days the group had more than 270 members.

“On Tuesday, August 18, brilliant progress was made with the help of some amazing volunteers, we moved enough shingles to create a very small channel,” said Guy.

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“Due to rainfall on Wednesday, August 19, the river is flowing as a one off, but this does not do away with the need to move shingle away from the mouth of the Cuckmere and to create a channel from the river to the sea as it is vital that the Cuckmere remains tidal.

Residents took up the task of moving shingles from the mouth of the River CuckmereResidents took up the task of moving shingles from the mouth of the River Cuckmere
Residents took up the task of moving shingles from the mouth of the River Cuckmere

“A further and bigger event is planned for Saturday, August 22, from 11am to 4pm. I hope to see more residents turn up on Saturday.”

The Environment Agency used to keep the river mouth clear, but now it will not despite repeated pleas.

Councillor Sam Adeniji praised residents’ efforts, adding: “It shows that the people of Seaford are determined to save the Cuckmere.”

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According to Mr Adeniji, the Environment Agency’s refusal to dredge the river mouth has meant that the meanders have dried up, and fish are dying due to a lack of oxygen in the river and a low water level.

Residents took up the task of moving shingles from the mouth of the River CuckmereResidents took up the task of moving shingles from the mouth of the River Cuckmere
Residents took up the task of moving shingles from the mouth of the River Cuckmere

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Related topics:ResidentsEnvironment AgencySeafordFacebook