New community garden will tell story of climate change
November 3, 2023
An inspiring plan to create a new community garden that helps raise awareness about climate change and local biodiversity has been given the green light.
The Cliff Gardens project, in Seaford, will see a bumpy unmade road transformed into an attractive coastal garden, complete with new raised beds showcasing different habitats and plants, as well as new seating, three coastal-themed sculptures and education boards to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change.
Lewes District Council’s Planning Committee unanimously voted to approve the plan following broad community support.
Developed by Seaford Community Partnership (SCP), the project is being part-funded and supported by Ouse Valley Climate Action (OVCA), an exciting National Lottery-backed scheme of which the South Downs National Park is a partner. Funding is also being provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund following a successful bid by SCP.
The wider project includes an aspiration to improve the biodiversity of the adjacent Pump Field, eventually providing a wildlife-rich meadow where local schoolchildren can observe and identify plant and animal species.
The work at Cliff Close will also repair the cycle path, using funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Hilary Miflin, from SCP, said: “’After over three years of planning, research and discussion, our diverse team within Seaford Community Partnership are delighted with the very positive outcome from the Lewes District Council planning meeting. We can now go forward applying for the road closure and organising the purchase of materials and their eventual use. We can also start the propagation of over 90 different species of native plants which we have sourced for next year’s plantings.
“We’re very grateful for the interest and support we have received from schools, environmentalists, Seaford residents and of course our funding agencies. Already volunteers are coming forward offering their services in this exciting next phase of the project.”
Steph Mills, Project Manager for OVCA, said: “This is an exciting project developed by the community, for the community, and will really enhance this seafront location.
“This is all about people in the community coming together to tackle the climate emergency in a really positive, proactive way.”
OVCA is supporting a large range of community-led initiatives, including youth citizen science, cycling skills for young people, community orchards, river monitoring, local tree planting, and installation of boxes to help protect swifts.
Find out more at www.southdowns.gov.uk/climate-action-hub/ouse-valley-climate-action-ovca/
