Consultation on Sussex nature strategies launches

The public are being asked for their views on 2 strategies designed to restore and enhance nature across Sussex and address declining habitats and species.

A consultation on the Local Nature Recovery Strategies for West Sussex and for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove launched on Wednesday, 15 October.

Developed over the past 2 years with input from local communities, land managers and environmental organisations, the draft strategies build on and support existing nature recovery efforts already underway.

Building on local nature recovery

These include large-scale partnerships like The Living Coast UNESCO biosphere and City Downland Estate Plan and nature restoration projects like the Wild Park rainscape, to grassroots initiatives such as creating bee banks and wildflower areas in the city, and the schools environmental programme Our City, Our World.

The strategies set out nature recovery priorities for the area and provide over 100 practical actions to help reverse the decline in habitats and species. These range from incentivising the creation of new wildlife-rich spaces for rare habitats and species to small everyday actions that anyone can take to encourage wildlife into their gardens.

Join a webinar

As part of the 6-week consultation, which closes on 26 November, webinars have been arranged for specific groups to learn more about the plans:

Tuesday 21 October at 6pm for town & parish councils
Thursday 23 October at 7pm for farmers, landowners and land managers
Monday 3 November at 6pm for residents, groups and organisations.

Each hour-long session will give an overview of the strategies, explain how they support nature recovery, guide attendees through the background documents and interactive map, and provide information on where and how people can have their say. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions where time allows.

Why your voice matters

Councillor Tim Rowkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environmental Services at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Sussex is home to some of the most stunning and ecologically rich landscapes in the UK. But we face a hard truth: the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and Sussex has by no means been immune to this decline. Habitat loss, pollution and climate pressures have fragmented ecosystems and pushed many species to the brink.

“The Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a chance to turn the tide. This consultation is your opportunity to share your ideas, concerns and ambitions for nature in Sussex. Whether you're a resident, farmer, business owner or part of a local organisation – your voice matters and will shape a practical framework to restore and connect nature in Brighton & Hove and the wider region.”

Take part in the consultation

Have your say on your Local Nature Recovery Strategy. To read the draft plans, explore the interactive map, and tell us what you think, visit Your Voice Brighton & Hove before 26 November 2025.

Paper copies of the consultation documents can be viewed at Jubilee Library from early November 2025.

Discover more about our local nature recovery strategies on the Sussex Nature Recovery website.

Photo courtesy of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere.