29th July 2010 Members

  • The National Trust is the main land owner of the floodplain on the west side of the river and has considerable experience of managing the existing interests of the site.
  • Seaford Town Council is also a land owner of the floodplain west of the river, with responsibilities for management of the wider area including Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve. The Town Council is responsible for the wellbeing of the town and its residents.
  • Natural England is responsible for maintaining Sites of Special Scientific Interest (the estuary is within Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI) and also has a remit for sustainable coastal management and coastal access for informal recreation. Jon Curson is Coastal Policy and Ecology Adviser at Natural England’s Lewes office. Jon has lived in Seaford for the past 10 years and has known the Cuckmere Estuary for 30 years. He has been birdwatching and walking at the estuary very regularly since moving to Seaford and his son grew up exploring the creeks and channels there. He is keen to see the estuary adapt to the challenges of climate change and sea level rise and is committed to preserving it both as a haven for wildlife and as a valuable recreation area for locals and visitors to the area.
  • The Environment Agency is the biggest organisation protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales, and is the lead authority for managing flood risk. It is also the lead authority for the mudflat and saltmarsh Habitat Action Plans. Chris Wick is Environment Manager at the Environment Agency. Chris lives in Brighton and has been visiting the estuary regularly with his family for several years. He has a particular interest in climate change, and what it means for Sussex.
  • The South Downs Joint Committee works to protect, conserve and enhance the landscape of the South Downs. The SDJC is the managing agent for the floodplain on the eastern side of the river, for East Sussex County Council.
  • East Sussex County Council is the sole landowner on the eastern side of the river and the statutory Highway Authority with responsibility for all public rights of way with a range of recreational and biodiversity objectives. Andy Robertson is Assistant Director of Policy for Transport and Environment at the Council. He has a background in agriculture and the environment and has worked in central government and with the National Farmers’ Union. Although relatively new to East Sussex, Andy is a rural person with a great interest in all aspects of the countryside.
  • Wealden District Council is the planning authority, coastal protection authority and beach operator for the land to the east of the Cuckmere River. The Council’s Head of Environmental Protection is John Gallop. John has lived in East Sussex all his life, has worked for the Council for 33 years and is very familiar with the Cuckmere Estuary. In addition to his work role, John is a keen walker, birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast.
  • The Lower Coastguard Cottage was built in 1818 to house the Coastguards who would have prevented smuggling, which was prolific along this stretch of coastline. Number 5 Coastguard Cottages has been permanently inhabited since it was built, and number 6 next door is still owned by the direct relatives of the last Coastguard who lived and worked there. The owners of the Lower Coastguard Cottage are taking an active role in planning for the future of the Cuckmere Valley by working with the Cuckmere Estuary Partnership. The preservation of the Cottage as well as the beauty of the valley is of paramount interest to them, as they are steeped in familiarity and history of the iconic landscape.