Wild Sussex Fund

We have ambitious plans to create a wilder Sussex

We are excited to launch Wild Sussex, an ambitious project to transform our most iconic landscapes, drive marine recovery and secure the future for nature in Sussex.

As we know, Sussex is a special county, full of stunning landscapes and important habitats which support a remarkable range of wildlife throughout the year.

Donate now

For decades, our local landscapes, marine habitats and species have faced real threats. With wildlife facing an uncertain future, we need to change this narrative urgently to ensure that nature is in recovery by 2030.

To do this, we must act now and at scale.

Our ‘Wild Sussex’ is an innovative plan to transform the future for local wildlife through the creation and strengthening of a network of local ‘wildlands’ whilst also protecting our marine habitats.

Our plans span some of the most important habitats in Sussex; from our chalk downland to ancient woodland and across our wetlands and stunning coastlines to our seas – special places where you can still experience the real wildness of Sussex.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve © Stuart Conway
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve © Stuart Conway

Local Wildlands

We have developed a bold vision for our Wild Sussex by creating seven projects; all designed to transform and expand our wild places and build a Sussex rich in wildlife.

On land, these ‘wildlands’ will revitalise six flagship nature reserves against the challenges of a changing climate, biodiversity loss, and the increasing pressures of development in our countryside. The goal is to restore, connect, and expand these sites, creating resilient ecosystems that support wildlife and local communities.

And our ambitions extend out to sea at a time when our marine environment has never been so visible or so vulnerable.

Over the next five years, our vision will drive nature’s recovery at scale and inspire a new generation of nature champions.

View larger map

Wild Sussex map
Wild Sussex map

Wider impact

Each area will act as a hub for nature recovery. On land these sites will have the potential to create more wildlife corridors across Sussex. And what happens on land will eventually head out to sea. Between now and 2030, the resilience of our recovering marine ecosystems will continue to be central to our work. This bold approach will drive nature’s recovery at scale across Sussex land and seas.

People at its heart

Wild Sussex isn’t just about wildlife; it’s about people too. The reserves and our coastline will become living classrooms, hubs for citizen science, and places for everyone to enjoy real wild places. By involving local communities, sea users, farmers, and volunteers, Wild Sussex aims to inspire a new generation of nature champions.

Climate resilience and natural solutions

Restoring habitats isn’t only good for biodiversity – it’s essential for building resilience in our changing climate. Wild Sussex will harness these natural solutions, using the power of healthy ecosystems to strengthen climate resilience for both wildlife and people

Wild Sussex is ambitious but together we will create a Sussex rich in wildlife by restoring natural processes, enhancing biodiversity, and creating spaces for people to experience nature.

We will keep you updated on our progress towards a wilder Sussex, please watch out for news in our magazine, website, emails and across social media.

Launch of the £10 million Wild Sussex Fund – how you can help

But to do this we need your help – our Wild Sussex Fund aims to raise £10 million by the end of 2030, our most ambitious appeal ever. It will be used to fund some of the boldest nature recovery projects Sussex has ever seen.

The Wild Sussex Fund will have a huge and lasting impact on the Sussex countryside, coastline and sea that we all love, at a time when nature needs it most.

Henri Brocklebank, Director of Conservation, said:
“We’ve spent too long accepting wildlife depleted landscapes and seas. This project tackles the long‑standing challenges facing some of the counties’ most important wildlife sites. It’s about refusing to settle for ‘good enough,’ and raising our own bar.
We’d love people to join us in this – to support us and help us take action on the tough issues to create a truly Wild Sussex we can all be proud of. With collective effort, real change is absolutely within our reach.”

Help us create a truly Wild Sussex. Donate to the Wild Sussex Fund today, or get in touch to find out more about supporting our ambitious plans for nature.

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