Major Arun nature recovery projects could be joined

The proposals would see the council become an official partner of the Weald to Waves initiative and the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project.

Weald to Waves aims to create a 100 mile nature corridor stretching from the High Weald to the Sussex coast, reconnecting over 20,000 hectares of divided habitats along the rivers Arun, Adur and Ouse.

The project brings together farmers, landowners, councils, conservation organisations and communities to help wildlife move between habitats and reverse the decline of biodiversity.

The corridor runs through parts of the Arun district and the council owns a number of sites within the proposed route, which could contribute towards the project.

The council’s Environment Committee will consider joining the initiative at its meeting on Tuesday, November 17.

The other proposed partnership, the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, focuses on restoring underwater forests along the Sussex coast.

The report states that kelp forests once ran from Selsey to Brighton but have suffered a substantial decline over recent decades.

It also says that seabed trawling has been a significant contributor to the decline, alongside other factors such as storms, warming sea temperatures and sedimentation.

A ban on trawling was introduced in March 2021 to prevent bottom-towed fishing across over 300 square kilometres, giving kelp habitats an opportunity to recover.

The underwater forests are home to marine wildlife, alongside helping to improve water quality and reducing the impact of coastal erosion.

Arun District Council has supported the kelp recovery project since 2021.

The report states that joining both initiatives would assist the council in its Biodiversity Action Plan and help it work with other organisations to protect and improve the natural environment.

There are currently no financial implications for the council from joining the schemes, although there could be an opportunity to secure external funding.

Any future costs, including staffing and project delivery will need to be considered separately by the committee.

If approved, the council would make an agreement with Weald to Waves on how the two organisations would work together. This agreement would not be legally binding.

The council is still waiting for further details about how the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project will operate. These will need to be reviewed before the council can formally join.