www.gov.uk/englandcoastpath

Assessment of England Coast Path proposals between Eastbourne and Camber on sites and features of nature conservation concern

1 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment About this document This document should be read in conjunction with the published Reports for the Eastbourne and Camber stretch and the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

The Coastal Access Reports contain a full description of the access proposals, including any additional mitigation measures that have been included. These Reports can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-coast-path-from-eastbourne-to- camber-comment-on-proposals

A HRA is required for European sites (SPA and Ramsar site). The HRA can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-coast-path-from-eastbourne-to- camber-comment-on-proposals

This document, the Nature Conservation Assessment (NCA), covers all other aspects (including SSSIs, MCZs and undesignated but locally important sites and features) in so far as any HRA does not already address the issue for the sites and feature(s) in question.

The NCA is arranged site by site. The Nature Conservation Assessment Sites Map shows designated sites along this stretch of coast.

Evidence is also gathered as appropriate from a range of other sources which can include information and data held locally by external partners or from the experience of local land owners, environmental consultants and occupiers. The approach includes looking at any current visitor management practices, either informal or formal. It also involves discussing our emerging conclusions as appropriate with key local interests such as land owners or occupiers, conservation organisations or the local access authority. In these ways, any nature conservation concerns are discussed early and constructive solutions identified as necessary.

See Annex 1 for an index to designated sites and features for this stretch of coast, including features that have been considered within any HRA.

2 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Contents

About this document ...... 2 Contents ...... 3 Assessment of coastal access proposals on Pevensey Levels SSSI ...... 4 Establishment works ...... 6 Assessment of coastal access proposals on Hastings Cliff to Petts Beach SSSI (including Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve, Hastings Country Park Local Wildlife Site) . 8 Establishment works ...... 16 Assessment of coastal access proposals on Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay SSSI...... 17 Establishment works ...... 29 Assessment of coastal access proposals on Beachy Head East MCZ ...... 30 Assessment of coastal access proposals on Local Wildlife Sites ...... 33 Conclusion ...... 49 Map A. Designated sites and other sites and features of nature conservation concern ..... 50 Annex 1. Index to designated sites and features ...... 51

3 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Assessment of coastal access proposals on Pevensey Levels SSSI Is this site also part of a European site? Yes – The area of the SSSI directly affected by our proposals is however outside of the boundaries of the European site.

Risk Consideration Conclusion

Attribute affected Key areas Predicted Possible Existing factors Relevant features of changes in impact(s) the access pattern and/or proposals, including level of use any additional mitigation measures

Standing open water This SSSI is No likely change in These habitats The proposed trail The proposed trail No likely and canals (ditches) only affected access to these and associated follows an existing follows an existing impact on by the route habitats as they species are walked route along the walked route along these  Lowland ditch system of the trail are located vulnerable to beach, which is the beach. features.  Vascular plant and margin landward of the repeated compacted by beach 1 assemblage for a short coastal margin. trampling and management works. Clear waymarking will  Population of section east habitat loss. be installed to Potamogeton of Normans Walkers are These features are encourage people to acutifolius, Sharp- Bay. These separated from located landward of the follow the route of the leaved pondweed features are these features by trail and the margin. trail. fencing to the west  Outstanding dragonfly located and a road to the Additional mitigation assemblage2 landward of measures are not the trail and east.  Outstanding required. the coastal invertebrate margin. assemblage

1 Including Potamogeton friesii flat stalked pondweed; Wolffia arrhiza rootless duckweed; Polygonum mite/ Persicaria mitis tasteless water pepper; Sium latifolium greater water parsnip; Althaea officinalis marshmallow. 2 Including Nationally rare and scarce dragonfly species: Coenagrion pulchellum variable damselfly and Brachytron pratense hairy dragonfly

4 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment  Population of Anisus vorticulus, little ramshorn whirlpool snail and Valvata macrostoma, large- mouthed valve snail

Coastal and Floodplain This SSSI is No likely change in Disturbance to The proposed trail The proposed trail No likely Grazing Marsh only affected access to these feeding, follows an existing follows an existing impact on by the route habitats as they resting and walked route along the walked route along these  Aggregations of non- of the trail are located nesting birds beach. This area is the beach. features breeding birds – and margin landward of the already disturbed by Vanellus Lapwing, for a short coastal margin. the railway line that Clear waymarking will vanellus3 section east runs adjacent and be installed to of Normans Walkers are beach management encourage people to Bay. These separated from works every winter. follow the route of the features are these features by trail. located fencing to the west This habitat is located and a road to the landward of the margin Additional mitigation landward of measures are not the trail and east. and this feature tends required. the coastal to be found further in margin. land where it is less disturbed.

3 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus are also know to attempt to breed in this habitat

5 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Littoral and Supralittoral There is No likely change in These habitats This unit of the SSSI The proposed trail No likely sediment some limited access to the areas and associated was found to be follows an existing impact on vegetated of this habitat species are partially destroyed, walked route along these Vegetated shingle shingle located landward of vulnerable to when it was last the beach. features interest in the the coastal margin. repeated condition assessed. coastal trampling and Clear waymarking will margin. Walkers are habitat loss. The assessment stated be installed to There is separated from that to the beach side encourage people to some higher much of the higher of the road there is very follow the route of the quality quality vegetation limited vegetated trail. by fencing to the shingle interest as vegetation Waymarking and an that exists west and a road to result of flood risk the east. management activities, advisory sign will be landward of installed on bare the margin, except behind some The route of the excluded areas. ground avoiding any behind the trail follows shingle vegetation. existing which is generally fencing. devoid of Additional mitigation vegetation, as it is measures are not tracked along and required. compacted during beach management work.

Establishment works Is SSSI assent needed to implement any specific proposals for establishment works? Yes - a new simple waymarking post and an advisory sign will be installed on the beach.

These will be installed on bare shingle avoiding any vegetation that is present at the time of installation. No other special conditions have been identified concerning how or when the works are to be carried out.

6 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Where necessary, East Sussex County Council will instigate the SSSI assent process by writing to us to confirm the timing of works and how operations are to be undertaken in line with these conditions. Natural England will provide further advice as necessary.

7 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Assessment of coastal access proposals on Hastings Cliff to Petts Beach SSSI Is this site also part of a European site? Yes

Note that notified features of the SSSI that are also qualifying features of the European site are omitted from this assessment.

Hastings Country Park is also a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and a Local Wildlife Site (LWS).

Risk Consideration Conclusion

Attribute affected Key Area Predicted changes in Possible Existing factors Relevant features of the pattern and/or level of impact(s) access proposals,

use including any additional mitigation measures

Supralittoral rock Maritime Cliff A small increase is These The network of PRoW The trail follows existing No likely and slopes expected along the habitats and and existing walked public footpaths and impact on  Hard maritime are present route. associated routes through walked routes. these

cliff and slope within the species are Hastings Country features.  Outstanding SSSI from A negligible change in vulnerable to Park is already well Some additional invertebrate Hastings to access is expected to repeated used and publicised, waymarking will be assemblage Cliff End. these features in the trampling and with maps of the main installed to make the route Invertebrates margin. The existing habitat loss. routes available on of the Coast Path clear on are associate paths provide a surface line and at the visitors the ground and encourage with this that is easier to walk centre4. people to follow the route habitat and over than the of the trail. There will also are known to surrounding area. There is an existing be one new set of steps be particularly People tend to stick to system of marked and one replacement set prevalent this path as the bollards on footpaths of steps installed. within adjacent habitat is that orientate the difficult to walk over. walker and alert them The proposals will Hastings minimise the installation of

4 Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve - Site Description. Available at: https://wildhastings.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/site-description-for-2010-2015-plan.pdf

8 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Country Park Access to the margin to the footpaths new access management LNR. seaward of the route is available to them4. infrastructure that would also limited along much result in a loss of SSSI of the route by existing In addition to this map habitat. scrub and fencing. boards are situated at key junctions and The new infrastructure The main route of the entrances4. proposed is intended to trail follows Public improve the existing route Rights of Way (PRoW) Through Fairlight and and guide people along and existing walked Cliff End the route the existing path to help to routes. follows PRoW, minimise any potential existing walked impact on the wider Walkers are expected routes, and roads. habitat. The new and to continue their current replacement steps will be patterns of access There is some existing climbing installed within the using these routes. footprint of the existing interest in the margin at a crag landward of path. Ecclesbourne Glen. Additional mitigation However, due to the measures are not instability of the cliffs required. in the area, the further opportunities for climbing are limited.

Supralittoral The main area The main route of the These Trampling pressure is The main route of the trail No likely sediment of interest in trail follows an existing habitats and apparent in some follows an existing path on impact on relation to this path on top of the sea associated areas of the beach in the top on the seawall in these  Vegetated feature is the wall in unit 1. species are unit 1. Beach unit 1. The main route of features. Rumex shingle ( beach vulnerable to management works the trail is inland, mainly crispus – between Cliff The existing path has a repeated also affect the on top of the cliffs in unit 2. Glaucium End and Pett compacted surface that flavum (SD1) Level (SSSI is easy to walk over.

9 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment shingle unit 2) and on People tend to stick to trampling and distribution of the Some additional community the beach this path as the habitat loss. vegetation. waymarking will be below the adjacent shingle is installed to make the route cliffs between difficult to walk over. In unit 2 the of the Coast Path clear on Cliff End and vegetation is present the ground and encourage Fairlight (SSSI In unit 2 the main route only on the less people to follow the route unit 1). of the trail is on top of exposed parts of the of the trail. the cliffs and the beach and there is vegetated area is not little evidence of The proposals will easy to access. trampling as it is hard minimise the installation of to access from Pett. new access management infrastructure that would result in a loss of SSSI habitat.

The new infrastructure that is proposed is waymarking intended to guide people along the existing path and therefore help to minimise any potential impact on the wider habitat.

Supralittoral rock Supralittoral A small increase is These The network of PRoW The trail follows existing No likely and sediment rock and expected along the habitats and and existing walked public footpaths and impact on sediment is route. associated routes through walked routes. these  Outstanding present species are Hastings Country features. assemblage of throughout the A negligible change in vulnerable to Park is already well Some additional vascular plants5 SSSI. access is expected to repeated used and publicised, waymarking will be these features in the with maps of the main installed to make the route

5 Including: Apera spicavenit Loose silky bent, Lathyrus japonicas Sea pea, Vicia lutea Yellow vetch and Viola lactea Pale dog-violet

10 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment margin. The existing trampling and routes available on of the Coast Path clear on paths provide a surface habitat loss. line and at the visitors’ the ground and encourage that is easier to walk centre4. people to follow the route over than the of the trail. There will also surrounding area. There is an existing be one new set of steps People tend to stick to system of marked and one replacement set this path as the bollards on footpaths of steps installed. adjacent habitat is that orientate the difficult to walk over. walker and alert them The proposals will to the footpaths minimise the installation of Access to the margin available to them4. new access management seaward of the route is infrastructure that would also limited along much In addition to this map result in a loss of SSSI of the route by existing boards are situated at habitat. scrub and fencing. key junctions and entrances4. The new infrastructure The main route of the proposed is intended to trail follows Public Through Fairlight and improve the existing route Rights of Way (PRoW) Cliff End the route and guide people along and existing walked follows PRoW, the existing path to help to routes. existing walked minimise any potential routes, and roads. impact on the wider Walkers are expected There is some habitat. The new and to continue their current replacement steps will be existing climbing patterns of access installed within the using these routes. interest in the margin at a crag landward of footprint of the existing Ecclesbourne Glen. path. However, due to the Additional mitigation instability of the cliffs measures are not in the area, the further required. opportunities for climbing are limited.

11 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Dwarf shrub This feature A small increase is These The network of PRoW The trail follows existing No likely Heath can be found expected along the habitats and and existing walked public footpaths and impact on in areas route. associated routes through walked routes. these  Maritime heath throughout the species are Hastings Country features. (Calluna SSSI, but is A negligible change in vulnerable to Park is already well Some additional vulgaris – Scilla primarily access is expected to repeated used and publicised, waymarking will be verna heath present within these features in the trampling and with maps of the main installed to make the route

(H7)) Hastings margin. The existing habitat loss. routes available on of the Coast Path clear on Country Park paths provide a surface line and at the visitor’s the ground and encourage LNR that is easier to walk centre4. people to follow the route over than the of the trail. There will also surrounding area. There is an existing be one new set of steps People tend to stick to system of marked and one replacement set this path as the bollards on footpaths of steps installed. adjacent habitat is that orientate the difficult to walk over. walker and alert them The proposals will to the footpaths minimise the installation of Access to the margin available to them4. new access management seaward of the route is infrastructure that would also limited along much In addition to this map result in a loss of SSSI of the route by existing boards are situated at habitat. scrub and fencing. key junctions and entrances 4. The new infrastructure The main route of the proposed is intended to trail follows Public Through Fairlight and improve the existing route Rights of Way (PRoW) Cliff End the route and guide people along and existing walked follows PRoW, the existing path to help to routes. existing walked minimise any potential routes, and roads. impact on the wider Walkers are expected habitat. The new and to continue their current There is some replacement steps will be existing climbing installed within the interest in the margin

12 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment patterns of access at a crag landward of footprint of the existing using these routes. Ecclesbourne Glen. path. However, due to the instability of the cliffs Additional mitigation in the area, the further measures are not opportunities for required. climbing are limited.

Broadleaved, This feature A small increase is These The network of PRoW The trail follows existing No likely Mixed and Yew can be found expected along the habitats and and existing walked public footpaths and impact on Woodland in areas route. associated routes through walked routes. these throughout the species are Hastings Country features.  Coastal SSSI, but is A negligible change in vulnerable to Park is already well Some additional woodland6 primarily access is expected to repeated used and publicised, waymarking will be  Outstanding present within these features in the trampling and with maps of the main installed to make the route assemblage of Hastings margin. The existing habitat loss. routes available on of the Coast Path clear on bryophytes Country Park paths provide a surface line and at the visitors’ the ground and encourage (Atlantic LNR. that is easier to walk centre4. people to follow the route species over than the of the trail. There will also associated with surrounding area. There is an existing be one new set of steps wooded People tend to stick to system of marked and one replacement set streams) this path as the bollards on footpaths of steps installed.  Wet woodland adjacent habitat is that orientate the difficult to walk over. walker and alert them The proposals will to the footpaths minimise the installation of Access to the margin available to them4. new access management seaward of the route is infrastructure that would also limited along much In addition to this map result in a loss of SSSI boards are situated at habitat.

6 Alnus glutinosa – Urtica dioica (W6) woodland; Quercus robur - Pteridium aquilinum - Rubus fruticosus (W10) woodland; Crataegus monogyna - Hedra helix scrub (W21)

13 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment of the route by existing key junctions and The new infrastructure scrub and fencing. entrances4. proposed is intended to improve the existing route The main route of the Through Fairlight and and guide people along trail follows Public Cliff End the route the existing path to help to Rights of Way (PRoW) follows PRoW, minimise any potential and existing walked existing walked impact on the wider routes. routes, and roads. habitat. The new and Walkers are expected There is some replacement steps will be to continue their current existing climbing installed within the patterns of access interest in the margin footprint of the existing path. using these routes. at a crag landward of Ecclesbourne Glen. Additional mitigation However, due to the measures are not instability of the cliffs required. in the area, the further opportunities for climbing are limited.

Coastal cliffs and These A small increase is Loss of these The network of PRoW The trail follows existing No likely foreshore, geological expected along the features due and existing walked public footpaths and impact on Disused quarries features are route. abrasion or routes through walked routes. these and pits present installation of Hastings Country features. throughout the A negligible change in new Park is already well Some additional  Geological SSSI. access is expected to infrastructure. used and publicised, waymarking will be feature – these features in the with maps of the main installed to make the route Wealden margin. The existing routes available on of the Coast Path clear on  Geological paths provide a surface line and at the visitors’ the ground and encourage feature – that is easier to walk centre4. people to follow the route Mesozoic over than the of the trail. There will also Mammalia surrounding area. There is an existing be one new set of steps People tend to stick to system of marked

14 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment  Geological this path as the bollards on footpaths and one replacement set feature – adjacent habitat is that orientate the of steps installed. Jurassic – difficult to walk over. walker and alert them Cretaceous to the footpaths The proposals will Reptilia Access to the margin available to them4. minimise the installation of seaward of the route is new access management  Geological also limited along much In addition to this map infrastructure that would feature – of the route by existing boards are situated at result in a loss of SSSI Mesozoic scrub and fencing. key junctions and features. Paleobotany entrances4.  Geological The main route of the The new infrastructure feature – Post trail follows Public Through Fairlight and proposed is intended to Variscan Rights of Way (PRoW) Cliff End the route improve the existing route  Geological and existing walked follows PRoW, and guide people along feature – recent routes. existing walked the existing path to help to fossil finds from routes, and roads. minimise any potential Walkers are expected the cliffs. impact on the wider to continue their current There is some habitat. The new and patterns of access existing climbing replacement steps will be using these routes. interest in the margin installed within the at a crag landward of footprint of the existing Ecclesbourne Glen. path. However, due to the instability of the cliffs Additional mitigation in the area, the further measures are not opportunities for required. climbing are limited opportunities for climbing are limited.

15 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Establishment works Is SSSI assent needed to implement any specific proposals for establishment works? Yes – 1 new set of steps, 1 replacement set of steps, 10 waymarking posts and 6 finger posts will be installed within this SSSI.

These items will be installed on or near existing walked routes within the site which are not considered to be functioning as qualifying features or supporting habitat. No other special conditions have been identified concerning how or when the works are to be carried out.

Where necessary, East Sussex County Council will instigate the SSSI assent process by writing to us to confirm the timing of works and how operations are to be undertaken in line with these conditions. Natural England will provide further advice as necessary.

16 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Assessment of coastal access proposals on Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay SSSI Is this site or feature also part of a European site? Yes

Note that notified features of the SSSI that are also qualifying features of the European site are omitted from this assessment

This assessment only covers the reportable features of the relevant SSSI Units (151, 153, 155, 157, 158, 159, 161, 162, 182, 187) where there could be a pathway of impact from the coastal access proposals.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is also a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Camber Sands is a Local Wildlife Site (LWS).

Risk Consideration Conclusion

Attribute Key Area Predicted changes Possible Existing factors Relevant features of the affected in pattern and/or impact(s) access proposals, level of use including any additional mitigation measures

Lowland ditch This habitat is A small increase is Alien aquatic plants The proposed trail follows The proposed trail follows No likely systems and found landward expected along the (such as Crassula the existing walked route the existing walked route impact on ponds of the trail at route. helmsii, Acorus along the seawall and then along the seawall and then these Pett Level and calamus, Mimulus along the surfaced track a surfaced track. features. Rye Harbour Negligible change in spp., Impatiens located at the top of the Nature Reserve access is likely to glandulifera, shingle beach through Additional mitigation (RHNR) the landward side of Fallopia japonica, RHNR. measures are not the trail at Pett Level Heracleum required. and RHNR. Pett mantegazzianum Access to the landward ) Level Road are a significant wetland habitats at Pett separates the trail threat to freshwater Level and RHNR is from this habitat at ditch features. physically limited by roads Pett Level and at Access could or fences. RHNR existing increase the fencing landward of likelihood of

17 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment the trail limits access transference of to inland areas. these plants from/to other freshwater ditches, by foot or dog access.

Saltmarsh This habitat is A small increase is These habitats and Rye Harbour Nature At Rye Harbour Nature No likely communities found landward expected along the associated species Reserve is a popular visitor Reserve, the proposed impact on and seaward of route. are vulnerable to location and access is route will follow the these (SM4-12, 13a, the trail in areas repeated trampling managed, by Sussex existing promoted, features. 16b, 16d, 17, at RHNR. Negligible change in and habitat loss. Wildlife Trust, to tarmacked track, and a

24, 28) access is predicted concentrate access to main flood defence bank, with in the margin. The paths and hides, using additional waymarking. existing track fencing and shingle bunds. provides a surface Access to the majority of that is easier to walk The provision of a surfaced the saltmarsh in the over than the track through the reserve coastal margin landward surrounding area. reduces access to and of the trail at Rye Harbour People tend to stick across the saltmarsh, which is to be excluded all year- to this path as the reduces trampling pressure. round by direction under adjacent habitat is Section 25A the difficult to walk over. Site management has also Countryside and Rights of resulted in a good Way Act (2000) as it is Negligible change in awareness of wildlife here, mudflat and saltmarsh that 7 access is likely to amongst visitors . is unsuitable for public the landward side of access. the trail at RHNR. The existing fencing landward of the trail

7 Blackwood Bayne Ltd (March 2015) Rye Harbour, Camber, Dungeness and Shepway Visitor Surveys 2014-2015.

18 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment limits access to The saltmarsh landward of inland areas. the trail is behind an existing fence.

Vascular plant These species A small increase is These habitats and Rye Harbour Nature At Rye Harbour Nature No likely assemblages are found at Rye expected along the associated species Reserve is a popular visitor Reserve, the proposed impact on of dry coastal Harbour Nature route at both these are vulnerable to location and access is route will follow the these habitats – sand Reserve in sites. repeated trampling managed, by Sussex existing promoted, features. dunes, areas of and habitat loss. Wildlife Trust, to tarmacked track, and part At RHNR a grassland and grassland, concentrate access to main of a coastal defence bank, negligible change in In some cases, vegetated vegetated paths and hides, using with additional access is expected light trampling can shingle shingle or on fencing and shingle bunds. waymarkers. seawalls, both to areas landward of increase plant Including 8 landward and the trail, due to diversity The provision of a surfaced To help manage the Lactuca saligna, seaward of the fences/ bunds and track through the Reserve existing risk of trampling of Least Lettuce trail. hides along this side reduces access to and vegetation within the and of the path. across the shingle to reduce coastal margin at Rye Himantoglossu At Camber trampling and erosion. Harbour Nature Reserve, m hircinum, Sands, the A negligible change we are proposing a year- Lizard Orchid embryo, mobile, is expected on the Site management has also round exclusion on nature (grassland) strandline and seaward side, with resulted in a good conservation grounds fixed dunes walkers continuing awareness of wildlife here, under Section 26(3)(a). 7 support a the current pattern of amongst visitors . This will cover the use. The nature of vascular plant Camber Sands has up to 25 vegetated shingle assemblage. the shingle (hard to foreshore south of Rye walk on) also deters thousand visitors each day in the peak season8. They Harbour Nature Reserve access across this up to mean high water. are mainly focussed in the area. Routes between the trail central beach and dune area. It also is one of the and the beach will be provided. These will be

8 Dungeness Complex Draft - Sustainable Access and Recreation Management Strategy (SARMS) 2017, Prepared for Shepway District Council and Rother District Council. Available at: http://www.rother.gov.uk/article/13264/Draft---Sustainable-Access-and-Recreation-Management-Strategy-SARMS

19 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment At Camber Sands, a top five sites in the UK for signed, with the aim of negligible change is kitesurfing7. focusing access to certain likely onto the points to minimise any dunes, landward of The dunes are currently potential impact on the the trail, and on the subject to large scale wider habitat. exposed beach, trampling and loss of dune seaward of it – vegetation. At Camber Sands, the England Coastal Path will following existing Access is currently patterns of use at end at the Estuary. There managed through clearance will be signs at the main this popular tourist of the vegetation on the destination. carparks and where the main paths, signage and trail ends explaining this 8,9 On approximately 6 beach patrols and letting people know days a year The beach patrols runs from how to reach the point at exceptionally high the 15th of July to 1st of which the trail begins tides may mean again at Rye Harbour by September, 7 days per walker will use the week. Rother District public transport. margin rather than Council also have a Coastal The proposed route will the trail at Camber Officer at the site and the Sands, but it is follow the base of the sand onsite Coastal Office is expected on these dunes between the river open from the 1st of April to and the Central car park – few occasion they 30th of October daily9. will follow the on an existing walked route. existing walked Between 1st May and 30th routes through the September dogs are Two advisory signs will be dunes. prohibited at certain installed where people locations along the enter the beach from the 9 coastline . central and western car An existing informal dog parks to provide route (available when dogs information fauna and flora

9 Rother District Council – Camber Sands http://rother.gov.uk/cambersands

20 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment excluded from main beach) sensitivities. This measure follows existing bare sand has been included to help paths through the dunes9. manage existing pressures at the site.

The proposals will minimise the installation of new access management infrastructure that would result in a loss of SSSI habitat.

The new infrastructure that is proposed includes waymarking and advisory signs intended to guide people along the existing path and therefore help to minimise any potential impact on the wider habitat.

Additional mitigation measures are not required.

Breeding birds At Rye Harbour A small increase is Disturbance to Rye Harbour Nature The proposed route will No likely of lowland Nature Reserve expected along the birds at nesting Reserve is a popular visitor follow the existing impact on open waters on open water route. sites; or during location and access is promoted, tarmacked track these and their habitats and feeding and/or managed, by Sussex with additional features. At RHNR a margins fringing reed resting – reducing Wildlife Trust, to waymarking. beds, landward negligible change in concentrate access to main of the trail, near access is expected

21 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment  Bearded tit Lime Kiln to areas landward of abundance / paths and hides, using Additional mitigation Panurus Cottage. the trail, due to distribution of birds. fencing and shingle bunds. measures are not biarmicus fences/ bunds and required. Disturbance to The provision of a surfaced  Garganey hides along this side species nesting in track through the reserve Anas of the path. fringing vegetation reduces access to the querquedula A negligible change (eg Bearded tit, surrounding habitats. (regular is expected on the Cetti’s warbler, summer seaward side, with garganey) is Site management has also visitor10) walkers continuing reduced by the resulted in a good  Cetti’s the current pattern of protective nature of awareness of wildlife here, 7 warbler use. The nature of the reeds and other amongst visitors . Cettia cetti the shingle (hard to vegetation. (uncommon) This management provides walk on) also deters quiet refuge areas around  Tufted duck access across this the pools, for these and Aythya area. other birds. fuligula (breeds annually)  Water rail Rallus aquaticus (occasional)  Mediterrane an gull Larus melanoceph alus

10 Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Management Plan 2012-2021. Available at: https://assets.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/Files/management-plan-2012-2021-1.pdf

22 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Assemblages At Rye Harbour A small increase is Disturbance to Rye Harbour Nature At RHNR the proposed No likely of breeding Nature Reserve expected along the birds at nesting Reserve is a popular visitor route will follow the impact on birds - Sand- there are large route at both these sites or during location and access is existing promoted, these dunes and colonies of black sites. feeding / resting – managed, by Sussex surfaced track with features. saltmarshes headed gull on reducing Wildlife Trust, to additional waymarkers. At RHNR a Black headed open water and abundance / concentrate access to main negligible change in Access to the majority of gull, Larus shingle islands, distribution of birds. paths and hides, using access is expected the saltmarsh in the ridibundus landward of the fencing and shingle bunds. trail. They have to areas landward of coastal margin landward been recorded the trail, due to The provision of a surfaced of the trail at Rye Harbour nesting at fences/ bunds and track through the reserve is to be excluded all year- RHNR within hides along this side reduces access to the round by direction under areas secured of the path. surrounding habitats. Section 25A the Countryside and Rights of by the anti- A negligible change Site management has also predator fence. Way Act (2000) as it is is expected on the resulted in a good mudflat and saltmarsh that seaward side, with awareness of wildlife here, is unsuitable for public 7 walkers continuing amongst visitors . access. the current pattern of use. The nature of This management provides The saltmarsh landward of the shingle (hard to quiet refuge areas around the trail is behind an walk on) also deters the pools, for these and existing fence. access across this other birds. area. Additional mitigation measures are not required.

Aggregations At RHNR, RHNR as above. Repeated Existing access At RHNR the proposed No likely of non- Camber Sands disturbance may management at RHNR, as route will follow the impact on breeding and Pett Beach. At Camber Sands a result in changes to described above, existing promoted, these waterbirds small increase is roosting and concentrates access to tarmacked track with feature. Numbers of expected along the feeding behaviour, additional waymarkers. wintering birds route. A negligible leading to reduced

23 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment use the intertidal change is likely onto fitness and main paths and hides, using At Camber Sands, the and shores for the dunes, landward reduction in fencing and shingle bunds. proposed alignment feeding, of the trail, and on population and/or between the river and the including curlew, the exposed beach, contraction in the At Camber Sands, there is Central car park, will follow oystercatchers, seaward of it – distribution within existing use of the proposed the base of the sand grey and ringed following existing the site. route along the base of the dunes– on an existing plovers, dunlin, patterns of use at dunes at this popular site. walked route. turnstone, this popular tourist Access is currently redshank, bar- destination. Two advisory signs will be managed through clearance installed where people tailed godwits, of the vegetation on the little egret, At Pett beach a enter the beach from the small increase is main paths, signage and central and western car greenshank. 8,9 expected along the beach patrols parks to provide They feed on route. The beach patrols runs from information on fauna and the exposed the 15th of July to 1st of flora sensitivities. This intertidal muds No real change is measure has been expected to areas September, 7 days per and sands when week. Rother District included to help manage the tide is out. landward of the trail, existing pressures at the due to Pett Level Council also have a Coastal Officer at the site and the site. These signs will Many of them Road running advise that dogs are kept onsite Coastal Office is also feed and alongside it to the under close control. roost behind the north. open from the 1st of April to 9 fencing at Rye 30th of October daily . At Pett Level the trail will Harbour Nature A negligible change be aligned along existing, Between 1st May and 30th Reserve, is expected on the surfaced route and well seaward side, with September dogs are including smew prohibited at certain signed. and greylag walkers continuing the current pattern of locations along the Additional mitigation goose. 9 use. The nature of coastline . measures are not There have also the shingle (hard to The large western car park required. been walk on) also deters is closed on weekdays observations of outside of school holidays roosting birds during the winter (October

24 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment including access across this to the first day before good oystercatcher, area. Friday)9. grey plover, turnstone and There are fewer At Pett Level, there is redshank on visitors in the existing use of the main Pett beach. evenings and at walked route along the top night. of the seawall, and the Large gull beach – all year. The main (including black- route offers a hard surface headed gull and to walk along, off the (hard herring gull) to walk along) shingle. roosts are present at night along the RHNR and Camber shore, at sea and seaward of the trail.

Aggregations At Rye Harbour A small increase is Repeated Rye Harbour Nature At RHNR the proposed No likely of non- Nature Reserve expected along the disturbance may Reserve is a popular visitor route will follow the impact on breeding birds on shallow, route. result in changes to location and access is existing promoted, this feature - Teal, Anas open water roosting and managed, by Sussex surfaced track with crecca habitats and At RHNR a feeding behaviour, Wildlife Trust, to additional waymarkers. negligible change in fringing leading to reduced concentrate access to main access is expected Additional mitigation vegetation, fitness and paths and hides, using landward of the to areas landward of reduction in fencing and shingle bunds. measures are not trail, near Lime the trail, due to population and/or required. Kiln Cottage. fences/ bunds and contraction in the The provision of a surfaced hides along this side distribution within track through the reserve of the path. the site. reduces access to the surrounding habitats.

25 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Site management has also resulted in a good awareness of wildlife here, amongst visitors7.

Invertebrate At Rye Harbour A small increase is These habitats and Existing access At Rye Harbour Nature No likely assemblages Nature Reserve expected along the associated species management, at RHNR, Reserve, the proposed impact on of dry coastal in areas of route at both these are vulnerable to concentrates access to route will follow the these habitats - grassland, sites. repeated trampling main paths and hides, using existing promoted, features. including vegetated and habitat loss. fencing and shingle bunds. tarmacked track, and part vegetated shingle or edges At RHNR no real a coastal defence bank shingle, open of waterbodies change in access is The provision of a surfaced along the river, with swards, short expected to areas track through the reserve, landward and additional waymarkers. sward seaward of the landward of the trail, reduces access to and grassland and trail. due to fences/ bunds across the shingle to reduce A year-round exclusion on bare sand, and hides along this trampling. nature conservation including: At Camber side of the path. grounds under Section Sands, the Camber Sands has up to 25 26(3)(a), will cover the  Lasiocampa dunes support A negligible change thousand visitors each day vegetated shingle trifolii flava, 8. an invertebrate is expected on the in the peak season They foreshore south of Rye Pale Grass assemblage. seaward side, with are mainly focussed in the Harbour Nature Reserve Eggar walkers continuing central beach and dune up to mean high water.  Dibolia the current pattern of area. It also is one of the This will cover some areas cynoglossi, use. The nature of top five sites in the UK for of vegetated shingle 7 a flea beetle the shingle (hard to kitesurfing . where invertebrates could  Euophrys walk on) also deters The dunes are currently be present. browningi, a access across this subject to large scale jumping area. At Camber Sands, the trampling and loss of dune spider proposed route will follow At Camber Sands, a vegetation. the base of the sand negligible change is Access is currently dunes between the likely onto the Estuary and the Central dunes, landward of managed through clearance

26 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment the trail, and on the of the vegetation on the car park – on an existing exposed beach, main paths, signage and walked route. seaward of it – beach patrols8,9 following existing Two advisory signs will be patterns of use at The beach patrols runs from installed where people this popular tourist the 15th of July to 1st of enter the beach from the destination. September, 7 days per central and western car week. Rother District parks to provide On approximately 6 Council also have a Coastal information on fauna and days a year Officer at the site and the flora sensitivities. This exceptionally high onsite Coastal Office is measure has been tides may mean open from the 1st of April to included to help manage walker will use the 30th of October daily9. existing pressures at the margin rather than site. the trail at Camber Between 1st May and 30th Sands, but it is September dogs are Some additional expected on these prohibited at certain waymarking will be few occasion they locations along the installed to make the route 9 will follow the coastline . of the Coast Path clear on existing walked the ground and encourage An existing informal dog routes through the people to follow the route route (available when dogs of the trail. dunes. excluded from main beach) follows existing bare sand The proposals will paths through the dunes9 minimise the installation of new access management infrastructure that would result in a loss of SSSI habitat.

The new infrastructure that is proposed is intended to guide people along the

27 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment existing path and therefore help to minimise any potential impact on the wider habitat.

Additional mitigation measures are not required.

IA - Coastal Rye Harbour A small increase is Trampling of the Existing access At Rye Harbour Nature No likely Geomorpholog Nature Reserve expected along the developing pattern management, at RHNR, Reserve, the proposed impact on y (active) active shingle route. of shingle ridges or concentrates access to route will follow the these ridge fossil patterns, main paths and the existing promoted features IS - Coastal development on At RHNR no real reducing the extent provision of a surfaced path surfaced track, and part of Geomorpholog the foreshore change in access is of these through the Reserve a coastal defence bank y (fossil) and the fossil expected to areas geomorphological reduces access to / across along the river, with shingle ridges landward of the trail, features. the shingle to reduce additional waymarkers. inland that show due to fences/ bunds trampling and erosion. how the and hides along this Some additional shoreline has side of the path. waymarking will be changed. installed to make the route A negligible change of the Coast Path clear on is expected on the the ground and encourage seaward side, with people to follow the route walkers continuing of the trail. the current pattern of use. The nature of The proposals will the shingle (hard to minimise the installation of walk on) also deters new access management access across this infrastructure that would area. result in a loss of SSSI features.

28 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment The new infrastructure that is proposed is intended to guide people along the existing path and therefore help to minimise any potential impact on the wider habitat.

Additional mitigation measures are not required.

Establishment works Is SSSI assent needed to implement any specific proposals for establishment works? Yes – 7 new multi-finger posts, 2 new simple waymarking posts, 1 trail information sign and 9 advisory signs will be installed with the SSSI.

These items will be attached to existing infrastructure or installed on or near existing walked routes within the site, which are not considered to be functioning as qualifying features or supporting habitat.

At Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, establishment works will take place outside of the breeding season (May to September) to avoid disturbance to breeding birds. No other special conditions have been identified concerning how or when the works are to be carried out.

Where necessary, East Sussex County Council will instigate the SSSI assent process by writing to us to confirm the timing of works and how operations are to be undertaken in line with these conditions. Natural England will provide further advice as necessary.

29 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Assessment of coastal access proposals on Beachy Head East MCZ Is this site or feature also part of a European site? No

Risk Consideration Conclusion

Attribute Key Area Predicted changes Possible Existing factors Relevant features of the affected in pattern and/or impact(s) access proposals, level of use including any additional mitigation measures

Littoral chalk To the east of This habitat is known Not considered None Additional mitigation No likely impact communities this stretch of to be located outside sensitive due to measures are not on this feature the coast path of the area covered the lack of required. by this stretch of the interaction coast path and is between coast difficult to access. path users and this features.

Short-snouted Found in Not subject to coastal Not considered None Additional mitigation No likely impact seahorse shallow muddy access rights. sensitive due to measures are not on this feature (Hippocampus waters the lack of required. hippocampus) amongst interaction seaweed and between coast seagrasses or path users and this rocky areas. feature.

Subtidal Subtidal Not subject to coastal Not considered None Additional mitigation No likely impact course access rights. sensitive due to measures are not on this feature sediment; the lack of required. interaction between coast

30 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Subtidal sand; path users and this Subtidal chalk feature.

High energy Subtidal Not subject to coastal Not considered None Additional mitigation No likely impact circalittoral access rights. sensitive due to measures are not on this feature rock; the lack of required. Moderate interaction energy between coast circalittoral path users and this rock feature.

Peat and clay This feature is These features are This feature is This feature is The trail follows existing No likely impact exposures known to be located in an area sensitive to currently assessed walked routes. on this feature located along which is already well abrasion. as recovering due to the coast accessed adjacent to abrasion, but this is Clear waymarking will be between the coastal towns of in relation to fishing installed to encourage Bexhill and Bexhill and Hastings. activities, rather than people to follow the route Hastings walkers. of the trail. The route follows a clearly signed path Additional mitigation on the promenade in measures are not this area. required.

Ross worm The known Not subject to coastal Not considered None Additional mitigation No likely impact reefs records of this access rights sensitive due to measures are not on this feature (Saballeria feature in this the lack of required. spinulosa) area are interaction located between coast offshore. path users and this feature.

31 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Establishment works Is an MCZ Assessment needed to implement any specific proposals for establishment works? No

32 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Assessment of coastal access proposals on Local Wildlife Sites Is this site or feature also part of a European site? No

Risk Consideration Conclusion

Attribute Key Area Predicted Possible Existing factors Relevant features of the access affected changes in impact(s) proposals, including any pattern and/or additional mitigation measures level of use

Vegetated Prince William The majority of the Trampling of The beaches around The trail follows an existing walked No likely Shingle; Parade Local site landward of the vegetation Eastbourne route. impact on Maritime Wildlife Site trail is not affected experience a very these Clear waymarking will be installed grasses; by the trail or the high level of public features. 11 to encourage people to follow the Lichens and coastal margin. access already . route of the trail. mosses. The trail follows the Access to Sovereign existing walked Park landward of the The East Sussex Vegetated route on the trail is managed with Shingle Management Plan

concrete a series of paths, suggests it may be beneficial to promenade. boardwalks, and increase the level of interpretation Error! Bookmark not existing interpretation in this area defined. It is expected to help protect the . Therefore as an people will vegetation from enhancement measure to help continue with their trampling. tackle the existing threat to this current patterns of habitat, we are proposing updating use here as shingle two of the interpretation panels is difficult to walk along the promenade to raise

11 East Sussex Vegetated Shingle Management Plan, 2009. Available at: https://www.pevensey-bay.co.uk/resources/pdf/ESCC%20Shingle%20MP%20- %202009.pdf

33 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment on for any awareness of the sensitivity of distance. vegetated shingle habitat.

Additional mitigation measures are not required.

Vegetated Sovereign The trail follows the Trampling of The area is popular The trail follows an existing walked No likely Shingle, Harbour Beach existing walked vegetation with tourists, with route. impact on Invertebrate Local Wildlife route on the multiple camping and these Trampling of Clear waymarking will be installed fauna. Site surfaced path in caravanning sites in features. the northern part of invertebrate close proximity11. to encourage people to follow the

this site. fauna route of the trail. An existing

It is expected interpretation board Additional mitigation measures are people will informs people of the not required. continue with their flora and fauna current pattern of present in the shingle use here as shingle and how to protect is difficult to walk them. on for any distance.

Vegetated Shingle Beach The main route of Trampling of The area is popular The main route of the trail is No likely Shingle, at Normans the trail is primarily vegetation with tourists, with aligned along an existing walked impact on Herb‐rich Bay Local aligned along the multiple camping and route on shingle for a short section these grassland Wildlife Site road and along a caravanning sites in in front of Normans Bay Caravan features. grass bank in this close proximity to the and Camping site. area. beach11. Clear waymarking will be installed There are excepted The citation for the to encourage people to follow the land categories site states that the route of the trail. between the road beach here displays and the beach a wide variety of

34 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment along much of this shingle vegetation The East Sussex Vegetated length, which limit including several Shingle Management Plan opportunities for healthy patches of suggests it may be beneficial to walkers to access Red Hemp-nettle increase the level of interpretation the beach. (Galeopsis in this area. Therefore as an angustifolia). The enhancement measure we are Where the route is western area proposing installing a new aligned along the contains the most interpretation panel to raise beach it primarily extensive vegetated awareness of the sensitivity of follows existing shingle with herb‐rich vegetated shingle habitat at EBC- routes across bare grassland on the 2-S077. shingle, which has landward slopes. The been compacted eastern area consists due to beach of small patches of management Sea Kale11. works. Parts of the beach suffer from enrichment through dog fouling, litter and other waste11.

Shingle in the area is annually replenished and regularly re- profiled as part of flood protection works11.

Vegetated Cooden Cliffs The main route of Trampling of There is a very The trail follows existing walked No likely Shingle Local Wildlife the trail is only vegetation sparse and patchy route. impact on Site aligned on the shingle flora on the shingle for a short beach. The citation

35 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Low, steep section, where it for the site states it Clear waymarking will be installed these clay cliffs, follows an existing includes Sea‐Kale to encourage people to follow the features. which have walked route over (Crambe maritima) route of the trail. patches of bare shingle. and Yellow‐horned grassland Poppy (Glaucium The East Sussex Vegetated and some To the west the flavum)11. Shingle Management Plan maritime route is aligned suggests it may be beneficial to species along the road, The beach increase the level of interpretation associated where excepted experiences a high in this area. with them. land categories level of recreational between the road activity, with a large Therefore as an enhancement and the beach limit hotel complex and measure we are installing a new opportunities for several interpretation panel on the shingle walkers to access camping/caravanning section here. This is to raise the beach. sites located in the awareness of the sensitivity of surrounding area11. vegetated shingle habitat. To the east the trail follows the existing The shingle here is walked route on subject to beach the concrete management walkway at the activities11. back of the beach.

It is expected people will continue with their current pattern of use here as shingle is difficult to walk on for any distance.

36 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Maritime Bulverhythe The main route of Trampling of The shingle beach The trail follows an existing walked No likely cliffs Shingle Beach the trail follows a vegetation supports populations route. impact on and Cliffs Local tarmacked path at of rare sea kale and these Vegetated Wildlife Site the back of the long homed poppy. Clear waymarking will be installed features. shingle beach, which is The citation for the to encourage people to follow the and existing public site suggests these route of the trail. footpath and appear to be fairly

National Cycle resilient to trampling. Route. The area is It is expected extensively utilised people will for informal continue to use this recreation such as tarmacked track as walking and dog they do currently as walking. Vegetation shingle is difficult to is impacted by the walk on for any high level of public distance. usage on the site, through trampling disturbance and enrichment11.

The beach here is managed, as part of flood defence works.

Vegetated Rock-a-Nore The main route of Trampling of The citation for this The trail follows an existing walked No likely shingle Shingle Beach the trail follows a vegetation site states that as a route behind the beach. impact on Local Wildlife concrete path and result of all the this feature current fishing Site road behind the Clear waymarking will be installed activities on the site beach. The area in to encourage people to follow the and the visitors this route of the trail. the margin is attracts most of the

37 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment already heavily habitat is of a accessed as a disturbed ground result of fishing species composition, with some areas of activities and Sea kale. associated visitors.

Vegetated Shingle Beach The majority of the Trampling of The citation states The trail follows existing walked No likely shingle Dogs Hill Local site landward of the vegetation there is a strip of route on the sea wall behind the impact on Wildlife Site trail is not affect by shingle along the top beach. this feature of the seaward side the trail or the of the sea wall, which coastal margin. Clear waymarking will be installed supports pioneer to encourage people to follow the vegetation, with The main route of route of the trail. species such as the the trial follows an nationally scarce

existing path on top Sea‐kale (Crambe of the sea wall. maritima).

It is expected The surrounding people will area supports continue with their several current pattern of camping/caravanning use here as shingle sites, and is a is difficult to walk popular holiday on for any destination. Tourist activity is common distance. and the beach experiences high levels of recreational activity11.

Establishment works

38 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Where new infrastructure is installed on the foreshore it will be sited on bare sand or shingle avoiding any vegetation that is present at the time of installation. No other special conditions have been identified concerning how or when the works are to be carried out.

39 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Assessment of coastal access proposals on other features

Risk Consideration Conclusion

Attribute Key Area Predicted changes in Possible impact(s) Existing factors Relevant features of affected pattern and/or level the access proposals, of use including any additional mitigation measures

Mammals Hastings A small increase is Loss of habitat due Known to occur The construction of No likely impact hazel dormice, Country Park expected along the to installation of within Hastings infrastructure includes on these badger LNR4 route. new infrastructure. Country Park LNR. some additional features. waymarking, as well as A negligible change in Killing or injuring The network of one replacement and access is expected to mammals during PRoW and existing one new set of steps. these features in the construction of new walked routes margin. The existing infrastructure. through Hastings These will be situated paths provide a Country Park is on or adjacent to an surface that is easier already well used existing walked route. to walk over than the and publicised, with The new and surrounding area. maps of the main replacement steps will People tend to stick to routes available on not exceed the footprint this path as the line and at the of the existing path. adjacent habitat is visitors’ centre4. difficult to walk over. No vegetation removal There is an existing is planned as part of the Access to the margin system of marked works. So it is seaward of the route is bollards on considered unlikely that also limited along footpaths that there will be any much of the route by orientate the walker interaction with this and alert them to feature.

40 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment existing scrub and the footpaths If mammals are found fencing. available to them4. to be present with the footprint of the works, The main route of the In addition to this advice will be taken trail follows Public map boards are from an ecologist on Rights of Way (PRoW) situated at key acceptable avoidance and existing walked junctions and and mitigation 4 routes. entrances . measures. Walkers are expected to continue their current patterns of access using these routes.

Reptiles Hastings A small increase is Loss of habitat due Known to occur The construction of No likely impact grass snake, Country Park expected along the to installation of within Hastings infrastructure includes on these adder, slow LNR4 route. new infrastructure. Country Park LNR. some additional features. worms, waymarking, as well as The network of viviparous A negligible change in Killing or injuring one replacement and PRoW and existing lizard access is expected to reptiles during one new pair of steps. these features in the construction of new walked routes margin. The existing infrastructure. through Hastings These will be situated paths provide a Country Park is on or adjacent to an surface that is easier already well used existing walked route. to walk over than the and publicised, with The new and surrounding area. maps of the main replacement steps will People tend to stick to routes available on not exceed the footprint this path as the line and at the of the existing path. 4 adjacent habitat is visitors’ centre . difficult to walk over. If reptiles are found to There is an existing be present within the system of marked footprint of the works,

41 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Access to the margin bollards on advice will be taken seaward of the route is footpaths that from an ecologist on also limited along orientate the walker acceptable avoidance much of the route by and alert them to and mitigation existing scrub and the footpaths measures. fencing. available to them4.

The main route of the In addition to this trail follows Public map boards are Rights of Way (PRoW) situated at key and existing walked junctions and routes. entrances4.

Walkers are expected to continue their current patterns of access using these routes.

Amphibians Hastings A small increase is Not considered Known to occur The construction of No likely impact great crested Country Park expected along the sensitive, as based within Hastings infrastructure includes on these newt LNR4 route. on the Country Park LNR. some additional features. establishment waymarking, as well as The network of A negligible change in works planned here one replacement and PRoW and existing access is expected to there is unlikely to one new set of steps. walked routes these features in the be any interaction through Hastings margin. The existing with this feature. This will be situated on paths provide a Country Park is or adjacent to an surface that is easier already well used existing walked route. to walk over than the and publicised, with The new and surrounding area. maps of the main replacement steps will People tend to stick to routes available on this path as the

42 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment adjacent habitat is line and at the not exceed the footprint difficult to walk over. visitors’ centre4. of the existing path.

Access to the margin There is an existing No vegetation removal seaward of the route is system of marked is planned as part of the also limited along bollards on works. So it is much of the route by footpaths that considered unlikely that existing scrub and orientate the walker there will be any fencing. and alert them to interaction with this the footpaths feature. The main route of the available to them4. trail follows Public Rights of Way (PRoW) In addition to this and existing walked map boards are routes. situated at key junctions and Walkers are expected entrances4. to continue their current patterns of access using these routes.

Bats pipistrelle Hastings A small increase is Not considered Known to occur The construction of No likely impact bat, brown Country Park expected along the sensitive, as based within Hastings infrastructure includes on these long-eared bat, LNR4 route. on the Country Park LNR. some additional features establishment waymarking, as well as The network of A negligible change in works planned here one replacement and PRoW and existing access is expected to there is unlikely to one new set of steps. walked routes these features in the be any interaction through Hastings margin. The existing with this feature. These will be situated paths provide a Country Park is on or adjacent to an surface that is easier already well used existing walked route. to walk over than the and publicised, with The new and

43 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment surrounding area. maps of the main replacement steps will People tend to stick to routes available on not exceed the footprint this path as the line and at the of the existing path. adjacent habitat is visitors’ centre4. difficult to walk over. No vegetation removal There is an existing is planned as part of the Access to the margin system of marked works. So it is seaward of the route is bollards on considered unlikely that also limited along footpaths that there will be any much of the route by orientate the walker interaction with this existing scrub and and alert them to feature. fencing. the footpaths available to them4. The main route of the trail follows Public In addition to this Rights of Way (PRoW) map boards are and existing walked situated at key routes. junctions and entrances4. Walkers are expected to continue their current patterns of access using these routes.

Bird Species Hastings A small increase is Loss of habitat due Known to occur The trail follows existing No likely impact Including, but Country Park expected along the to installation of within Hastings public footpaths and on these not limited to LNR4 route. new infrastructure. Country Park LNR. walked routes. features. species such as: dove, A negligible change in Disturbance to The network of The construction of woodlark, access is expected to roosting, feeding or PRoW and existing infrastructure includes skylark, song these features in the ground nesting walked routes some additional thrush, spotted margin. The existing birds. through Hastings waymarking, as well as

44 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment flycatcher, tree paths provide a Country Park is one replacement and sparrow, linnet, surface that is easier already well used one new set of steps. bullfinch, corn to walk over than the and publicised, with bunting surrounding area. maps of the main These will be situated People tend to stick to routes available on on or adjacent to an this path as the line and at the existing walked route. adjacent habitat is visitors’ centre4. The new and difficult to walk over. replacement steps will There is an existing not exceed the footprint Access to the margin system of marked of the existing path. seaward of the route is bollards on also limited along footpaths that The additional much of the route by orientate the walker waymarking will make existing scrub and and alert them to the route of the Coast fencing. the footpaths Path clear on the available to them4. ground and encourage The main route of the people to follow the trail follows Public In addition to this route of the trail. Rights of Way (PRoW) map boards are and existing walked situated at key Existing scrub limits routes. junctions and access to the cliffs in entrances4. the margin along much Walkers are expected of the route and to continue their There is some climbing interest is current patterns of existing climbing limited. The cliffs also access using these interest in the suffer from slumping routes. margin at a crag over much of the area. landward of Therefore there is Ecclesbourne Glen. unlikely to be much However, due to the interaction between instability of the users of coastal access cliffs in the area, the further opportunities

45 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment for climbing are rights and birds nesting limited. on the cliffs.

Black-headed Large numbers The route of the trail is Disturbance to Glyne Gap is a The trail follows existing No likely impact gull and of birds are along an existing roosting and popular recreational public footpaths and on these Herring gull known to concrete path, set feeding birds. site used by walkers walked routes. features congregate at back from the and dog walkers. In Glyne Gap. foreshore. the summer the site Clear waymarking will WeBs data attracts tourists and be installed to (2018/19): The existing path has beach users. There encourage people to black-headed a compacted surface are beach huts follow the route of the gull (750 birds) that is easy to walk along the frontage trail. over. People are likely and Herring gull which are rented (1100). to stick to this path as out by the council. the adjacent shingle is difficult to walk over.

Seals Shore at Pett A small increase is Disturbance could At Pett Level and At Pett Level the trail No likely impact (Common and and Rye expected along the impact natural Rye Harbour Nature will be aligned along on these Grey Seal) Harbour Nature route. behaviour of these Reserve there is existing, surfaced route features. Reserve, and species. existing use of the and well signed. the River Negligible change in main walked route Rother (either access is predicted in along the top of the Access is excluded too swimming up the margin. The seawall / the access much of the saltmarsh the River existing track provides track through the and mudflat in the Rother or a surface that is easier nature reserve, and coastal margin this is hauled out on to walk over than the the beach – all year. because it is to be the shore at the surrounding area. excluded all year-round People tend to stick to The main route of by direction under this path as the the trail offers a Section 25A the adjacent habitat is hard surface to walk Countryside and Rights difficult to walk over. along, off the (hard of Way Act (2000) as it

46 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment River to walk along) is unsuitable for public Mouth)1213. shingle. access.

Rye Harbour Nature Additional mitigation Reserve (RHNR) is measures are not a popular visitor required. location and access is managed, by Sussex Wildlife Trust, to concentrate access to main paths and hides, using fencing and shingle bunds.

The provision of a surfaced path through the Reserve reduces access to and across the shingle to reduce trampling and erosion.

Site management has also resulted in a good awareness of wildlife here, amongst visitors7.

12 Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Annual Report 2013. Available at: https://assets.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/Files/2013-annualreport.pdf 13 Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Annual Report 2012. Available at: https://assets.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/Files/2012-annualreport.pdf

47 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Vegetated Shingle The route of the trail Trampling of The beaches along Clear waymarking will No likely impact Shingle vegetation generally follows vegetation this stretch of coast be installed across the on this feature. occurs in areas existing established are generally stretch to encourage throughout this walked routes where it already well people to follow the stretch both passes in close accessed, route of the trail. within the proximity to shingle particularly where designated sites vegetation. they occur in We have taken advice previously proximity to major from East Sussex mentioned in It is expected walkers settlements. This County Council in this assessment will continue to use the has led to existing relation to shingle and outside of existing tracks as it is trampling pressure. vegetation. Where it them. not thought likely has been feasible we people would change have looked to install their existing new interpretation established patterns of panels to raise access. awareness of the sensitivity of vegetated shingle habitat.

In addition to the measures previously mentioned in this assessment, we also propose replacing the existing interpretation board, south of Sea Road Car Park in Pevensey Bay.

48 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Conclusion We, Natural England, are satisfied that our proposals to improve access to the English coast between Eastbourne and Camber are fully compatible with our duty to further the conservation and enhancement of the notified features of Pevensey Levels SSSI, Hastings Cliff to Petts Beach SSSI, Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay SSSI, Prince William Parade Local Wildlife Site, Sovereign Harbour Beach Local Wildlife Site, Shingle Beach at Normans Bay Local Wildlife Site, Cooden Cliffs Local Wildlife Site, Bulverhythe Shingle Beach and Cliffs Local Wildlife Site, Rock-a- Nore Shingle Beach Local Wildlife Site, Shingle Beach Dogs Hill Local Wildlife Site, Camber Sands Local Wildlife Site, Rye Harbour Local Nature Reserve, and Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve consistent with the proper exercise of our functions14.

In respect of any duties that may arise under section 125 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, Natural England has concluded for Beach Head East MCZ that the access proposal (including any mitigation measures specified) is the one that, consistently with the proper exercise of its functions under section 296 of the same Act, is least likely to hinder the achievement of the conservation objectives for the Marine Conservation Zone - and accordingly may proceed.

In respect of important features discussed in the other features section we are satisfied that in developing the new access proposals the appropriate balance has been struck between Natural England’s conservation and access objectives, duties and purposes.

See also, where relevant, the conclusions of the separate HRA relating to common features.

The conclusions of this assessment have been checked by:

David Pearce 12/02/2019 On behalf of the Coastal Access Programme Team

Kristoffer Hewitt 12/02/2019 Senior Officer with responsibility for protected sites

14 Natural England’s functions includes its balanced general purposes for access, nature conservation and landscape under the NERC Act 2006, any specific statutory duties it may have to deliver specific improvements to public access, and the access-related policies and priorities it periodically agrees with Defra.

49 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment Map A. Designated sites and other sites and features of nature conservation concern

50 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Annex 1. Index to designated sites and features

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Geology & geomorphology

EC - Jurassic - Cretaceous Reptilia x

EC - Mesozoic Mammalia x

EC - Mesozoic Palaeobotany x

EC - Post-Variscan Structures x

EC - Wealden x

ED - Wealden x

IA - Coastal Geomorphology x

IS - Coastal Geomorphology x

Habitats

Littoral chalk communities x

51 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Subtidal coarse sediment x

Subtidal sand x

High energy circalittoral rock x

Moderate energy circalittoral rock x

Peat and clay exposures x

Subtidal chalk x

H1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines x

H1220 Perennial vegetation of stony x banks

Saltmarsh communities (SM4-12, 13a, x 16b, 16d, 17, 24, 28)

Annual vegetation of sand, shingle and x pebble shores

52 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Dune and shingle communities (SD1-2, x x SD4-9, SD11-12)

Percolated saline lagoons x

Natural shingle wetlands x

Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and x Baltic Coasts

Standing water x

Lowland ditch systems x x

Swamp and reed bed communities (S4 x and S27)

Heath community (H7 - Calluna vulgaris - x Scilla verna)

53 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Woodland and scrub communities (Quercus robur - Pteridium aquilinum - Rubus fruticosus woodland; Crataegus x monogyna - Hedra helix scrub; Alnus glutinosa - Urtica dioica woodland)

Plants

Vascular plant assemblage x x x

Wetland plant assemblage x x

Himantoglossum hircinum; Lizard Orchid x

Lactuca saligna; Least Lettuce x

Population of RDB plant - Potamogeton x acutifolius; Sharp-leaved Pondweed

Gnaphalium luteoalbum, Jersey Cudweed x

54 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey

Ophrys sphegodes, Early Spider-orchid x

Sium latifolium; Greater water-parsnip x

Wetland bryophyte assemblage x

Outstanding assemblage of bryophytes x

Bryum warneum; Warne's thread-moss x x

Fauna

Arvicola amphibious; Water vole x x

>20,000 Non-breeding waterbirds x x x

Assemblages of breeding birds - Lowland x open waters and their margins

Assemblages of breeding birds - Sand- x dunes and saltmarshes

55 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Cygnus olor; Mute swan (non-breeding) x15 x

A037 Cygnus columbianus bewickii; x x Bewick’s swan (non-breeding)

Anser albifrons albifrons; White Fronted Waterbird assemblage x Goose (non-breeding) (non-breeding)

Waterbird assemblage Anas Penelope; Wigeon (non-breeding) x (non-breeding)

Anas strepera; Gadwall (non-breeding and Waterbird assemblage x breeding) (non-breeding)15

Anas crecca, Teal (non-breeding) x

Anas querquedula; Garganey (breeding) x

Anas clypeata; Shoveler (Wintering and X15 x non-breeding)

15 Reference Habitats Regulation Assessment: disturbance to breeding features can have indirect effect on the non-breeding populations 56 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Aythya farina; Pochard (non-breeding and Waterbird assemblage x breeding) (non-breeding)15

Aythya fuligula; Tufted Duck (breeding) x

Phalacrocorax carbo; Cormorant (non- Waterbird assemblage x breeding and breeding) (non-breeding)15

A021 Botaurus stellaris; Bittern (non- x x breeding)

Tachybaptus ruficollis; Little Grebe Waterbird assemblage x (breeding and non-breeding) (non-breeding)15

Podiceps cristatus; Great Crested Grebe Waterbird assemblage x (non-breeding and breeding) (non-breeding)15

A082 Circus cyaneus ; Hen harrier (non- x x breeding)

A081 Circus aeruginosus; Marsh Harrier x (breeding)

57 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Rallus aquaticus; Water rail (breeding) x

Waterbird assemblage Fulica atra; Coot (non-breeding) x (non-breeding)15

A132-A Recurvirostra avosetta; Avocet x x (breeding)

A140 Pluvialis apricaria; Golden Plover x x (non-breeding)

Waterbird assemblage Vanellus vanellus; Lapwing (non-breeding) x (non-breeding)15

Numenius phaeopus; Whimbrel (non- Waterbird assemblage x breeding) (non-breeding)

A151 Philomachus pugnax; Ruff (non- x x breeding)

Waterbird assemblage Calidris alba; Sanderling (non-breeding) x (non-breeding)

58 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Actitis hypoleucos; Common sandpiper Waterbird assemblage x (non-breeding) (non-breeding)

A195 Sterna albifrons ; Little tern x x (breeding

A191 Sterna sandvicensis; Sandwich tern x x (breeding)

A193 Sterna hirundo; Common tern x x (breeding)

Larus ridibundus; Black-headed Gull x (breeding)

A176 Larus melanocephalus; x x Mediterranean gull (breeding)

Panurus biarmicus; Bearded Tit (breeding) x

Acrocephalus paludicola; Aquatic warbler x x x (non-breeding and passage)

59 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Cettia cetti; Cetti’s Warbler (breeding) x

Triturus cristatus; Great crested newt x x x

Hippocampus hippocampus; Short- x snouted seahorse

Anisus vorticulus; Little ram's-horn x whirlpool snail

Caecum amoricum; De Folin's lagoon snail x

Hirudo medicinalis; Medicinal leech x x

Saballeria spinulosa; Ross worm reefs x

Invertebrate assemblage x x x

Wetland invertebrate assemblage x x

60 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Population of pRDB moth- Coleophora galbulipennell; a micro moth; Ethmia terminell; a micro moth; Hadena x albimacula; White-spot; Lasiocampa trifolii flava; Pale Grass Eggar

Hydraecia osseola hucherardi; Marsh x x mallow moth

Thalera fimbrialis; Sussex Emerald x

Outstanding dragonfly assemblage x

Nationally rare and scarce dragonfly species - Coenagrion pulchellum; Variable x Damselfly

Population of RDB spider - Apostenus fuscus; a spider; Euophrys browning; a x jumping spider; Pellenes tripunctatus; a jumping spider

Dibolia cynoglossi; a flea beetle x

61 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Qualifying feature SPA MCZ SSSI Ramsar Ramsar Beach SSSI Beach Dungeness SAC Dungeness Pevensey Levels Levels Pevensey Beachy Head East East Head Beachy Marsh and Rye Bay Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Bay Rye and Marsh Hastings Cliffs SAC Cliffs Hastings Dungeness, Romney Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Romney Dungeness, Pevensey Levels SAC SAC Levels Pevensey Petts to Cliff Hastings Pevensey Levels SSSI SSSI Levels Pevensey Melanotus punctolineatus; a click beetle x

Aphrodes duffieldi; a leafhopper x

Omophron limbatum, Ground beetle x

62 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment

Front cover photo: Viewpoint at Cliff End looking eastwards overlooking Pett Level towards Camber © David Pearce / Natural England

Enquiries about the proposals should be addressed to:

Coastal Access Delivery Team – South East Natural England Guildbourne House Chatsworth Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 1LD

Telephone: 0208 026 8045

Email: [email protected]

Natural England is here to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity it brings. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/england-coast-path-improving-public-access-to-the- coast Natural England publications are available as accessible pdfs from: www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications Should an alternative format of this publication be required, please contact our enquiries line for more information: 0300 060 3900 or email [email protected]

© Natural England 2020

63 England Coast Path | Eastbourne to Camber | Nature Conservation Assessment