Demonstrators form ‘human chain’ near Seaford Head as ‘one of Britain’s most loved and recognised views’ is under threat

Around 200 people attended a demonstration at the field from 10am on Saturday, April 18, which was Community Planning Alliance’s National Day of Action 2026.

Friends of Seaford Head member Jackie Frost sent photos to this newspaper showing protestors with signs featuring slogans like ‘Save Chyngton Field’ and ‘We stand together to protect nature’.

Protestors also lined up along the field’s fence to form a ‘human chain’.

The demonstration follows growing concerns that this ‘gateway’ to ‘one of Britain’s most loved and recognised views’ is under threat.

Jackie expressed this fear to the Sussex Express recently, saying Chyngton Field had ‘lain undisturbed’ for centuries and provides grazing and forage for farm animals and wildlife.

A document at planningpolicyconsult.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk shows that Lewes District Council (LDC) is considering building up to 30 homes on land south of Chyngton Way.

Before the day of action, East Sussex County Councillor Sam Adeniji (Seaford North) had said on Facebook that the purpose of the Seaford protest was to 'demonstrate, visibly and collectively, that people care deeply about the natural world and want to see it protected and restored’. He said: “We want as many as possible to create a ‘chain link fence of people’ around the field to say, ‘we stand together to protect nature’.”

On Sunday, April 19, he said: “Huge thanks to the 200 people who joined the ‘human chain’ yesterday. It was a massive success and a powerful show of support for Chyngton Field. Together, a clear message was sent that this green space needs to be protected for the future.”

Fay Langston, posting on the Facebook page of the Seaford Environmental Alliance, said: “All residents should be made aware of this proposed destruction and scar on our British countryside.”

A ‘Save Chyngton Field from development’ petition at www.change.org has now received more that 2,900 verified signatures.