A: Current membership of the Partnership consists of local organisations who have direct responsibilities for the estuary, for example as land owners and/or land managers. However, the Partnership is happy to consider applications from others who have a substantive interest in the estuary. The Partnership has met with representatives of some of the Coastguard Cottage owners to discuss the possibility of them joining. Given the Partner’s preferred option of working with nature rather than against it, the owners in question chose not to join at that time. However, they have continued to attend individual meetings, and we see no reason why this cannot continue. Discussions are continuing with some of the owners and we are hopeful that they will soon be represented on the Partnership.

A: Current membership of the Partnership consists of local organisations who have direct responsibilities for the estuary, for example as land owners and/or land managers. However, the Partnership is happy to consider applications from others who have a substantive interest in the estuary.

The Partnership has met with the Chairman of Cuckmere Valley Parish Council to discuss the possibility of them joining. Given the Partner’s preferred option of working with nature rather than against it, the Parish Council chose not to join. However, they have continued to attend individual meetings, and we see no reason why this cannot continue.

A: There are currently no specific costs associated with joining the Partnership, although costs do arise, for example those associated with the current engagement events. Future costs may include studies into key issues, e.g. understanding the historic environment and potential impacts on the local economy. For practical reasons, membership of the Partnership is currently limited to those with a direct responsibility for the estuary, e.g. landowners/land managers. This does not exclude other organisations or individuals working with the Partnership and we welcome this.