Sussex Shoresearch

Shoresearch is a citizen science volunteer scheme to identify and record animals, plants and habitats along our shoreline. The aim of the project is to build a baseline of data on intertidal wildlife around Sussex to help promote its conservation.

What does Shoresearch do?

The Sussex Shoresearch team organises a programme of surveys throughout the year when we visit selected sites around the coast and record the species and habitats we find.

We conduct a variety of different surveys, including general 'walkover' surveys as well as more quantitative studies using quadrats and timed species searches. We usually survey for 2 - 3 hours.

We've surveyed a number of different locations over the years - this is where we went in 2025

Shoresearch survey locations 2025

You can read further information about what we achieved in 2021 in the below newsletter:

Can I join?

We welcome volunteers of all ability and experience to join Shoresearch. The surveys provide a great opportunity for those new to marine life identifications and marine surveys to learn in the field from experienced Shoresearchers.

Shoresearch surveys are not suitable for young children, and we ask not to bring dogs. We ask that anyone under 18 years old who is interested in getting involved to get in touch with us directly.

How to get involved:

If you would like to join Shoresearch please contact our marine team by emailing [email protected]

2026 survey dates:

  • Tuesday 31st March – 15:30 – Saltdean
  • Friday 17th April – 15:30 – Seven Sisters
  • Friday 1st May –16:30 - Pett Level Beach
  • Friday 15th May - 14:45 The Pound, Eastbourne
  • Monday 18th May - 17:45 - Bexhill-on-Sea
  • Friday 12th June - 13:20 - West Beach, Selsey
  • Tuesday 14th July - 16:00 - Brighton Marina East
  • Monday 20th July - 08:15 - Newhaven
  • Tuesday 4th August - 08:00 - Climping
  • Tuesday 11th August - 15:30 - Goring Pipe
  • Friday 28th August - 14:15 - East Pilsey, Chichester Harbour
  • Friday 11th September - 16:30 - Bognor Rocks, Aldwick

For surveys, please bring:

  • Appropriate clothing for weather conditions on the day (warm clothing and waterproof trousers are often useful; sun protection)
  • Sturdy footwear - wellies or other waterproof footwear, preferably with good ankle support
  • Drinking water
  • A hand lens is useful, if you have one
  • Washing-up gloves are useful for poking about in rock-pools in cold weather!
  • Collins Pocket Guide to the Sea Shore of Britain and Northern Europe is a useful field guide (although not essential)

    More opportunities to get involved...

    As of 2022, we are pleased to be partnering with Mulberry Marine Experiences (MME) to expand our Shoresearch survey activity. MME will be conducting their own surveys using our methodologies and supplying the data to us. Please see the MME website for details on their surveys and how to book.

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