Cuckmere Estuary Partnership

The Cuckmere Estuary Partnership does not want to rule out any options. But, based on the current evidence, we favour working with natural processes to manage future changes to the estuary (this is known as ‘managed realignment’).

By working with, rather than against, natural coastal processes, the estuary and its wildlife would be able to adapt to sea level rise, creating a mosaic of saltmarsh and mudflats. We would be able to maintain footpaths and recreational use of the area, preserve features such as the meanders and the beach, and limit the impacts on local businesses.

Working with nature could involve making a range of interventions, from relocating footpaths to controlling where future river and sea breaches are most likely take place. We want to work with members of the community to identify what aspects of the landscape and amenities are most important, and what interventions we can make to ensure that those aspects are preserved for the future.

This page has the following sub pages.

• Ecology of saltmarsh and mudflats