Lewes district wetland inspires UNESCO Biospheres across the country

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are designated learning places for sustainable development and include The Living Coast - The Brighton and Lewes Downs Biosphere, which stretches from Newhaven to Shoreham-By-Sea.

Lewes District Council and Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, two of the partners involved in the project to realign the Cockshut chalk stream and create the 6.8 hectares of wetland in Lewes Brooks, hosted the tour on Wednesday (March 26).

Councillor Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate Nature and Food Systems, who co-hosted the walk and talk event, said: "It was inspiring to welcome colleagues from across the UK and Ireland and share the excellent work being done here in Lewes district, particularly at the Cockshut which has attracted a huge range of wildlife and native plants in a short time. The opportunity to learn from each other's experiences will undoubtedly strengthen our collective efforts in championing sustainable practices and protecting our precious natural environment."

The Cockshut Stream Restoration scooped two awards in the South Downs National Park 2024 Design Awards. Funding for the project was provided by South Downs National Park Authority, Veolia Environmental Trust and Lewes District Council.

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