SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST A strategy and action plan 2016–20

OUR VISION

The iconic landscapes, seascapes, wildlife and heritage of the Heritage Coast will be conserved and enhanced through landscape scale partnerships. Opportunities will exist for increasing understanding and enjoyment whilst supporting sustainable access and developing the economic benefits to the area. © Seven Sisters/SDNPA

2 HERITAGE COAST PLAN CONTENTS

Page

1. Natural Resource Management 7

2. Sustainable Cultural Tourism and Recreation 9

3. Access 10

4. History (Heritage) 11

5. Visitor infomation 12

6. Local community 13

7. Planning 14

Action Plan 15 © SDNPA/Sam Moore River Cuckmere © SDNPA/Sam

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 3 BACKGROUND / CONTEXT

The purpose of this plan is to provide a The Sussex Heritage Coast was first defined in framework for the Sussex Heritage Coast based 1973 – following this policies and a strategy were on partnership working, and to identify an action developed. In 1992 the Countryside Commission plan for the next five years. published new priorities for Heritage Coasts which included a requirement to have a management Heritage Coasts were established to protect and plan. The first such plan for the Sussex Heritage conserve the best stretches of undeveloped coast Coast was produced in 1993. in . The Sussex Heritage Coast was the first to be defined, stretching from , In 2006 a review of Heritage Coasts was carried along the iconic chalk cliffs of and out, endorsing the need for management plans the Seven Sisters, past to Splash and recognising the complementary purposes of Point at Seaford. The land section of the Sussex protected areas. Heritage Coast sits entirely within the National Park.

The National Purposes and Targets of Heritage Coasts

1. To conserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the coasts, including their terrestrial, littoral and marine flora and fauna, and their heritage features of architectural, historical and archaeological interest.

2. To facilitate and enhance their enjoyment, understanding and appreciation by the public by improving and extending opportunities for recreational, educational, sporting and tourist activities that draw on, and are consistent with, the conservation of their natural beauty and the protection of their heritage features.

3. To maintain, and improve (where necessary) the environmental health of inshore waters affecting Heritage Coasts and their beaches through appropriate works and management measures.

4. To take account of the needs of agriculture, forestry and fishing, and of the economic and social needs of the small communities on these coasts, by promoting sustainable forms of social and economic development, which in themselves conserve and enhance natural beauty and heritage features. Cuckmere Haven © SDNPA/Anne Katrin Purkiss Cuckmere Haven © SDNPA/Anne 4 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN POLICY BACKGROUND

The value of Heritage Coasts is recognised through Purpose 3 of Heritage Coasts in regard to the national planning policy with a stated need health of inshore waters is not covered by National for planning decisions to protect and enhance Park Purposes, however there is synergy with the them. Paragraph 114 of the National Planning emerging South Marine Plan, current Shoreline Policy Framework (March 2012) states that local Management Plans and also the management authorities should: ‘maintain the character of the advice for the recently designated Marine undeveloped coast, protecting and enhancing its Conservation Zone. In addition, these waters are distinctive landscapes, particularly in areas defined included in the Water Framework Directive and as heritage coast, and improve public access to Catchment Partnerships. and enjoyment of the coast.’ At a local level the Heritage Coast is a unique There is considerable overlap between the and valued offer that can contribute purposes of Heritage Coasts and the Purposes to driving sustainable economic development in and Duty of the South Downs National Park (see targeted sectors and community engagement. purposes 1, 2 and 4 on the previous page). The PARTNERSHIP APPROACH Heritage Coast is also referenced in the South Downs National Park Partnership Management This plan has been developed by a small group Plan, specifically: of key partners who recognise that partnership is essential for the delivery of actions which will Policy 7. Actively promote more joined up and benefit the Heritage Coast. Other partners and sustainable management of the coast, including volunteers will play a key role in supporting the defined area of the Sussex Heritage Coast projects and initiatives which will arise as the plan through integrated coastal zone management. progresses.

The key partners who have developed this plan are:

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 5 HERITAGE COAST BOUNDARY REVIEW The defined Heritage Coast stretches from This is a five year management plan and will Eastbourne, along the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy be reviewed and revised as necessary, to keep Head and Seven Sisters, past the Cuckmere momentum and ensure future progress. Estuary and to Splash Point at Seaford. The inland boundary is technically the , however it is recognised that this needs to be a porous boundary as there are dynamics that interact in and out of the area, as well as strong links to a range of activities in a wider area (such as tourism accommodation provision and activity).

SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST

East Dean Cuckmere Haven

Birling Gap

Seven Sisters Beachy Head Birling Gap © SDNPA

6 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS

1. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The Sussex Heritage Coast encompasses two Marine environment conservation advice for the areas of national importance for wildlife and Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) has been natural heritage: the Site developed by Natural England (NE) setting the of Special Scientific Interest and the Beachy Head priorities for future action. The Sussex Inshore West Marine Conservation Zone. The animals, Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is plants and habitats protected by these national responsible for creating and regulating fisheries designations can be found via the following links: management in the MCZ. This management ●● Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI: designatedsites. encompasses all fisheries sectors and will be naturalengland.org.uk underpinned by the principle of supporting sustainability. The Sussex IFCA also manages ●● Beachy Head West MCZ: gov.uk/government/ publications/marine-conservation-zone-2013- fisheries in all marine waters along the Sussex designation-beachy-head-west Heritage Coast outside of the MCZ. Sustainable marine fisheries are a key factor of the Heritage The conservation, protection and enhancement of Coast – its environment, community and economy. the natural beauty of the Heritage Coast, including This is also supported by the Seven Sisters Voluntary its flora and fauna, geology and heritage features, Marine Conservation Area. should focus on maintaining these sites in favourable condition and aim for further enhancement through The vast majority of land in the Heritage Coast the key processes in the three main areas; marine, is already under Higher Level Stewardship. The coastal and land. These key processes will most significant element of land management is include sustainable management of the marine sustainable conservation grazing at a landscape environment and the intertidal zones and, on land, scale. There are several existing grazing regimes but the management of the species rich chalk grassland it is recognised that it could be mutually beneficial to and heathland, as well as species recovery (for set up a grazing project which encourages sharing example the potter flower bee) and hydrological livestock where appropriate, processes. Resource management also needs to link achieving to protection of heritage assets (see section 4). Belle Tout Lighthouse © SDNPA Belle Tout

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 7 good land management, joining up grazing and PROPOSED ACTIONS: benefitting individual organisations as well. There may also be future possibilities for funding through 1.1 Adopt the conservation advice package for Countryside Stewardship to facilitate a farming Beachy Head West Marine Conservation cluster of holdings. Conservation grazing should Zone (MCZ). also be referred to when considering interpretation, 1.2 Ensure compliance with the Marine Strategy access and behavioural change (see sections 2, 3 Framework Directive and the Water and 5). Framework Directive to achieve good ecological status/potential. The Cuckmere Working Group has an existing project looking at the future management of the 1.3 Support the creation of the South Marine estuary which the Heritage Coast partnership Plan such that it contains the relevant supports as a contributory project to the management policies to enable Heritage Coast targets to of the natural environment of the Heritage Coast. be met. The intertidal zone is entirely subject to natural 1.4 Support sustainable local sea fisheries to processes and there are two areas of work that can underpin the marine environment and local contribute to improving this zone. Firstly, an increased markets. awareness and understanding of the flora and 1.5 Seek to establish a conservation grazing fauna present there and the threats/issues through partnership that makes best use of existing interpretation (visitor panels, information leaflets etc.), resources at a landscape scale, to benefit and secondly to find ways to manage marine litter the Site of Special Scientific Interest. through behaviour change. 1.6 Investigate future funding and management It is important to acknowledge the importance of the through Countryside Stewardship. unprotected cliffs to this unique coastal landscape 1.7 Recognise the Cuckmere Working Group as and their associated geological heritage. contributing to Heritage Coast management.

KEY PRINCIPLE 1. Adopt and 1.8 Organise bioblitz events to spread implement conservation advice for awareness and understanding of the flora the Marine Conservation Zone. and fauna of the intertidal zone, including the threat of invasive non-native species.

1.9 Organise beach cleans to tackle marine KEY PRINCIPLE 2. Support measures litter and raise awareness with ports and that will conserve and enhance the boat-owners. unique coastal landscape and retain its open character and uninterrupted views.

KEY PRINCIPLE 3. Develop landscape scale management of habitats: bigger better and more connected.

KEY PRINCIPLE 4. Support an agreed approach to restoration of natural processes within the Cuckmere Estuary being pursued by the Cuckmere Working group. Tideline at Birling Gap © James Ringland Tideline

8 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN 2. SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM AND RECREATION

The Sussex Heritage Coast receives well over a KEY PRINCIPLE 5. Define the special million visitors each year, including walkers and qualities of the Sussex Heritage Coast cyclists, day trippers and large coach parties. The challenge is to balance the area’s popularity with KEY PRINCIPLE 6. Identify existing the need to protect its special qualities. Currently networks of providers of sustainable many of the visitors come and go without gaining tourism and recreation, and agree much knowledge of the Sussex Heritage Coast. promotions of the special qualities. In improving the experience for visitors, growing the value of the visitor market and promoting the area further, it will be important to define the PROPOSED ACTIONS: qualities of the area to articulate why it is special, 2.1 Identify the special qualities of the area. why it is worth visiting and how visitors can help 2.2 Develop a narrative based on these qualities protect it for the future. and utilise in promotion of sustainable There are many gateways to the area: the tourism and recreation. Newhaven–Dieppe ferry line, the South Downs 2.3 Offer training and familiarisation trips for Way and bordering towns, in particular gate-keepers. Eastbourne and Seaford. The food and drink portal 2.4 Develop a joint approach to managing (southdownsfood.org) volunteers play an important filming and events in the area. role in welcoming visitors at the three visitor centres in the area and should be seen as “gatekeepers” 2.5 Investigate initiatives to promote the area alongside the many tourist businesses in the area. on the back of existing and new marketing initiatives such as culture, wine and cycling. This visitor market needs to be managed so 2.6 Utilise the local outdoor education network that the visitor economy helps to maintain what to engage in the special qualities of the people come to see (e.g. funding rights of way Heritage Coast. improvements). It will be important to balance this principle with protecting the area. Canoeing at Cuckmere Haven © SDNPA

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 9 3. ACCESS

Access to and around the area is crucial to visitors’ promote sustainable access, walking and cycling enjoyment of the Heritage Coast whether on friendly destinations. foot, wheelchair, bike, horse or in a bus, train or car. There will be a need to consider key access KEY PRINCIPLE 7. As a Partnership, routes such as the A259 and also the future of the input into future plans for highway Beachy Head Road as the cliff erodes. There is improvements in the area. also a need to assess any road scheme proposals against enhancement of the landscape (e.g. KEY PRINCIPLE 8. The local highway pressure for A27 dual carriageway and A259 authority and other relevant bodies road improvements). Measures to support and to manage and improve recreational enable sustainable transport options need to be routes in the area. seriously considered. The National Trail is a key PROPOSED ACTIONS: route through the area and there are considerable areas of open access land (designated under the 3.1 Develop a hierarchy of access, to include Countryside Rights Of Way act 2000). Other open access land. access routes should also be considered including 3.2 Work towards completing Coastal Access re-alignment of access along the riverbanks of the and the Coast path.

Cuckmere (see section 1). The new coast path and 3.3 Work in partnership with landowners coastal open access (led by NE) will be delivered and local authorities to realign the paths during the life of this plan. alongside the river Cuckmere.

An access hierarchy could be developed, from the 3.4 Liaise with highway authorities, public main roads around the area to the minor roads, the transport providers and other relevant bodies key recreational routes, including cycle-paths and (e.g. Sustrans) in regard to long term plans the extensive rights of way network, which contains for highways and sustainable access in the a high percentage of bridleways, drawing on area through the delivery of the ESCC Local existing work undertaken by East Sussex County Transport Plan 2011–2026, whilst ensuring Council (ESCC) and the South Downs National the relationship between improvements and Park Authority (SDNPA). the broader environment be protected and There is a need to consider sustainable access enhanced. management in a dynamic system/changing environment including the ongoing work to Cuckmere Haven © SDNPA\Mischa Haller Cuckmere Haven © SDNPA\Mischa

10 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN 4. HISTORY (HERITAGE)

The Heritage Coast is rich in archaeological sites KEY PRINCIPLE 9. Develop and and monuments above and below ground and implement projects to conserve and beneath the sea. Archaeological sites, buildings enhance heritage and archaeological and historic landscape features such as fields and features, and use these to help tracks endure from the past and with the geology promote understanding of the and topography they give the Heritage Coast its Heritage Coast to the general public. own, unique evolved character; a distinctiveness that makes it possible to understand a ‘sense of place’. PROPOSED ACTIONS: 4.1 Develop an evidence base about the history While rising sea levels and erosion have and archaeology of the Heritage Coast significantly changed, and continue to change, using the Historic Environment Record (HER). the Heritage Coast has been a location for human activity and settlement for well over ten thousand 4.2 Support projects to understand, conserve years. The Heritage Coast includes evidence and enhance heritage and archaeological from Stone Age hunter-gatherers and the first features, particularly those under threat. farmers, to internationally connected Bronze Age 4.3 Promote projects that increase understanding seafarers and metal workers. There are also many and interpretation of the historic environment signs of the defence of Britain during the Second for the public benefit. World War and the more recent demands of 4.4 Promote the marine archaeology, including agriculture, tourism and development, as well as historic wrecks continued climate change and coastal erosion. There is still much to discover about the history and archaeology of the Heritage Coast.

Lighthouse at Beachy Head © SDNPA

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 11 5. VISITOR INFOMATION

The Heritage Coast area has excellent opportunity for joint support and promotion to mutual opportunities for targeting information to increase benefit. The developing volunteering network for the visitor enjoyment and understanding of the area. South Downs could provide support. There are already a series of interpretive panels, There is a basic need for interpretation to “state leaflets, events and three visitor centres in the area. the obvious” highlighting that the beauty of the These need to be better coordinated to make area and its grassland flora and fauna are due the most of the opportunities available, looking to grazing and the Seven Sisters white cliffs exist at synergy, complementary approaches and because of the constant sea erosion. There is also increased partnership. the need to highlight access opportunities and There is a case for developing an interpretive places to visit other than the few tourist hotspots. plan for the Heritage Coast, which should include the traditional visitor centres as well as KEY PRINCIPLE 10. Develop an social media, volunteer initiatives and behaviour integrated interpretative plan for the change campaigns promoting responsible visits area to include key messages and to the area. There is a need to create a consistent options for delivery. message and core narrative for interpretation working in partnership with other providers. KEY PRINCIPLE 11. Develop a joint The strategy should also take into account a approach to volunteer training and hierarchy of information; visitor centres, areas with supporting events in the area. some interpretation and areas which should be interpretation free. PROPOSED ACTIONS: There is also a need to consider “carrying capacity” and look at visitor pressures, how to 5.1 Develop an interpretative plan for the reduce the peaks, even out demand across the Heritage Coast including an audit of current year and achieve a wider geographic spread as provision. well. 5.2 Work together to support events to raise Volunteers play a key role in resourcing the visitor awareness of the area. facilities in the area and there are opportunities to develop joint briefings and training to increase knowledge. Several organisations already run events in the area and there is an Paddling in the sea © SDNPA/Anne Katrin Purkiss © SDNPA/Anne sea the in Paddling

12 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN 6. LOCAL COMMUNITY

A considerable number of community initiatives are KEY PRINCIPLE 12. Develop and already being undertaken by partner organisations, support a network for volunteers these include Neighbourhood Plans and the work and local communities in the area of the Friends of the Cuckmere, which provide encouraging opportunities to input much of the background information and context into Heritage Coast projects. on community needs; it is not the intention to duplicate these here. KEY PRINCIPLE 13. Support initiatives There is a need to develop a network for to undertake beach cleans and local organisations to develop support for promote reduction of litter along the volunteer groups in the area and to highlight the coast. opportunities that tourism and recreation visits to the area can bring. As part of this there is an opportunity to support existing initiatives and offer PROPOSED ACTIONS: training and support to volunteer groups. 6.1 Develop a network and support local It is essential to engage the community in this plan. volunteers. For the wider community (and visitors) this could 6.2 Engagement and joint training for volunteers. be through a simple tool such as the postcards 6.3 Develop and run beach cleans, beach that were filled in for the original South Downs schools and other awareness events and National Park (SDNP) sense of place work (ESCC promotions. has software for such analysis). Cycling at Cuckmere Haven © SDNPA

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 13 7. PLANNING

The relevant planning authority for the area is the potential green infrastructure projects, particularly South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). through the neighbourhood planning process, Joint Local Plans have been developed with should be explored. District Council, Eastbourne Borough Council and Council.The SDNPA is preparing KEY PRINCIPLE 14. Seek to support a park wide Local Plan which will supersede the communities and environmental old local council plans. Council has gains through the CIL process. delegated authority to determine certain planning applications with the SDNPA, whilst all planning PROPOSED ACTIONS: applications in the Eastbourne and Wealden 7.1 Consider any potential projects to include Downs go to the SDNPA in the CIL register (regulation 123 list) and Heritage Coasts are highlighted in the National list project ideas coming from the Heritage Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and need to Coast area that are already logged from the be taken into account in decisions made by local early draft CIL process. planning authorities (policy and development 7.2 Consider other funding sources that could management). In accordance with the NPPF, aid in the implementation of green and blue the local planning authorities within the Sussex infrastructure projects in the Heritage Coast Heritage Coast should, where possible, seek enhancements to the designated area. 7.3 Work with those town and parish councils preparing neighbourhood One possible way of achieving this is through the plans in the Heritage Coast area to identification of green infrastructure projects in explore opportunities for identifying and and around the Heritage Coast, which could be implementing (potentially through part of funded through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) their proportion of CIL receipts) green and monies raised. Whilst this does present a potential blue infrastructure projects in and around the opportunity, it is also recognised that there will Heritage Coast. be many other infrastructure projects competing for a limited pot of money and that a significant proportion of this money will be for the relevant town and parish councils to spend. Therefore, opportunities for using CIL money to leverage in other funding sources and working with town and parish councils to identify Seven Sisters © Cathryn Mantovani

14 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN ACTION PLAN

1. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

1.1 Adopt and implement the NE. Sussex IFCA Conservation 2015-16 adopt Develop byelaws conservation advice package advice. to ensure good 2016 implement for Beachy Head West Marine practice and Sussex Inshore Conservation Zone (MCZ). management of Fisheries & the MCZ. 2016 Conservation Authority (IFCA) byelaw creation.

1.2 Ensure compliance with Marine All River Basin 2020 and 2027 Undertake Strategy Framework Directive and Management Plan. seaview analysis Water Framework Directive to Marine Strategy for the Heritage achieve good ecological status/ Framework coast area potential. Directive targets.

1.3 Support the creation of the South SDNP South Marine Plan. 2016 Input into all Marine Plan such that it contains the marine plan relevant policies to enable Heritage consultation Coast targets.

1.4 Support sustainable local sea Councils, SDNP, Sussex IFCA 2016–20 Develop a local fisheries to underpin marine IFCA byelaws fish campaign environment and local market. Marine Management Organisation fisheries statistics.

1.5 Seek to establish a conservation Heritage Coast Grazing stock. 2016 An integrated grazing partnership at a landscape Group or (sub) conservation scale. working group of grazing plan key representatives implemented by with expertise partner bodies in this field may include Eastbourne Borough Council, National Trust, , East Sussex County Council.

1.6 Investigate future funding through HCG or (sub) Advice on 2017 Investigate CS Countryside stewardship. working group of Countryside funding and key representatives Stewardship. develop a farm with expertise in cluster group this field.

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 15 ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

1.7 Recognise the Cuckmere Estuary HCG 2016 onwards Ensure cross party project as contributing to the representation Heritage Coast management and with CEP ensure the two partnerships work in a complementary way.

1.8 Organise bioblitz events to look at NT, SWT, ESCC 2016 onwards Run an annual flora and fauna of the intertidal zone event including invasive non native species

1.9 Organise beach cleans to tackle NT SWT SDNPA, Volunteers. 2016 onwards Run an annual marine litter. ESCC event

2. SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM AND RECREATION

ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

2.1 Identify the special qualities of the HCG or (sub) Landscape 2016 Working group area. working group of assessments. to agree special key representatives qualities Visitor feedback. with expertise in this field. Interpretation plan.

2.2 Develop a narrative based on these HCG or (sub) As above. 2017 Establish qualities and utilise in promotion of working group of Sustainable sustainable tourism and recreation. key representatives tourism working with expertise in group. Early this field. 2017

2.3 Offer training and familiarisation HCG or (sub) Birling Gap 2018 Run two trips for gate keepers. working group of meeting room. awareness key representatives training sessions Access to Welcome with expertise in Host training. this field.

2.4 Develop a joint approach to HCG or (sub) Creative England 2017 Establish a filming managing filming in the area. working group of event. management key representatives working group East Sussex with expertise in Film locations this field. e-network.

2.5 Investigate initiatives to promote the HCG. Existing marketing 2017–18 Working group to area on the back of existing and websites. consider potential ESCC Economic new marketing initiatives such as new initiatives development. culture, wine and cycling. SDNPA marketing.

2.6 Utilise the local outdoor education Existing outdoor 2016 onwards Develop Heritage network to engage in the special education coast outdoor qualities of the Heritage Coast. networks. education network

16 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN 3. ACCESS

ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

3.1 Develop hierarchy of access HCG or (sub) 2016 Establish sub including open access land. working group of key group and map representatives with access hierarchy expertise in this field.

3.2 Work towards completing Coastal NE and local Central 2017–18 Implement coastal access. authorities, SDNPA. Government access 2017 funding.

3.3 Work in partnership with HCG or (sub) 2017 Identify and landowners and local authorities working group of key designate to realign the paths alongside the representatives with alternative routes river Cuckmere. expertise in this field.

3.4 Liaise with highway authorities in HCG or (sub) 2016 Working group regard to 5 year transport plans working group of key to liaise with for the area. representatives with local highway expertise in this field. authorities

4. HERITAGE

ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

4.1 Develop an evidence base about HCG or (sub) 2016 onwards Establish a historic the history and archaeology of the working group of key environment Heritage Coast using the Historic representatives with working group to Environment Record (HER). expertise in this field include terrestrial including Historic and marine England (HE), County archaeology archaeologist. End of 2016

4.2 Support projects to understand, HCG or (sub) 2016 onwards Further to the conserve and enhance heritage working group of key evidence base and archaeological features, representatives with develop projects particularly those under threat. expertise in this field.

4.3 Promote projects which increase HCG or (sub) Links to 2016 Further to understanding and interpretation working group of key interpretation the evidence of the historic environment for the representatives with plan. base develop public benefit. expertise in this field. interpretation

4.4 Promote the marine archaeology HE 2017 onwards Promote and of the coast including wrecks. interpret marine archaeology

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 17 5. INTERPRETATION

ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

5.1 Develop an interpretative plan for HCG or (sub) Utilise in house 2017 A key starting the Heritage coast area including working skills form partner point for other an audit of current provision. group of key organisations. actions representatives Complete audit by with expertise in 2017 this field.

5.2 Work together to support events to HCG or (sub) Promotional 2017 onwards Develop and share raise awareness of the area. working materials. an events calendar group of key representatives with expertise in this field.

6. COMMUNITIES

ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

6.1 Develop network and support SDNPA Volunteer 2017 Develop a local volunteers. development with volunteer network ESCC and other organisations.

6.2 Organise joint training for SDNPA Volunteer 2017 onwards Run two awareness volunteers. development with training sessions ESCC and other organisations.

6.3 Develop and run beach cleans, See 1.6 and 2.6 2016 onwards Run two awareness beach schools and other events awareness events and promotions.

7. PLANNING

ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

7.1 Consider any potential projects HCG or (sub) 2016 onwards Define projects to include in the CIL register and working to include on list project ideas coming from group of key Community the Heritage Coast area that are representatives Infrastructure Levy already logged from the early with expertise in (CIL) register draft CIL process. this field.

7.2 Consider other funding HCG or (sub) 2017 Investigate sources that could aid in the working potential funding implementation of green and group of key opportunities blue infrastructure projects in the representatives Heritage Coast. with expertise in this field.

18 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN ACTION BY WHOM RESOURCES TIMESCALE PRIORITY AND TARGET

7.3 Work with those town and HCG or (sub) SDNPA 2016 onwards Engage parish councils preparing working neighbourhood plan and support neighbourhood plans in the group of key support team. neighbourhood Heritage Coast area to explore representatives plans opportunities for identifying with expertise in and implementing (potentially this field. through part of their proportion of CIL receipts) green and blue infrastructure projects in and around the Heritage Coast.

REFERENCES

●● National Character Area Profile 125. South Downs (2013) ●● South Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment (2011) Character types: A1 Ouse to Eastbourne Open Downs; F1 Cuckmere Floodplain; R1 Seaford to Beachy Head Shoreline ●● Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI citation and condition assessment ●● National Planning Policy Framework ●● Local Plan ●● Shoreline Management Plan

KEY PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS FOR THE SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST 19 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS

Carrying Capacity – the ability of an area to Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) receive a set number of visitors without damaging – a national designation to protect a site for its the natural resource. wildlife or geological value. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) – an scheme raising funds from development to support agreed plan for the management of the coast improvements to local infrastructure. including the protection of property. Countryside and Rights of Way Act South Marine Plan – a plan for the Marine (CROW act 2000) – National legislation which area to manage the use of resources and protect includes the designation of access land. the marine environment. Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) – European EA – Environment Agency funding schemes for farmers and land managers to engage in measures to enhance the environment. ESCC – East Sussex County Council Historic Environment Record (HER) – HCG – Heritage Coast Group record of archaeological sites in an area. HE – Historic England Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) – One IFCA – Inshore Fisheries and Conservation of a network of marine nature reserves established Authority to protect marine life. NE – Natural England Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and Water Framework Directive NT – National Trust (WFD) – these are the key pieces of European SDNPA – South Downs National Park Authority legislation relating to coastal waters and estuaries. SWT – Sussex Wildlife Trust National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – the national planning guidance. Partnership Management Plan (PMP) – the management plan for the South Downs National Park. Cover image: © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

20 SUSSEX HERITAGE COAST PLAN