This is a guest article by the recently formed Friends of Adur SSSI
Just under 40 years ago the Adur River Estuary (from Cuckoo corner to the footbridge in Shoreham) was deemed to be of such importance for wildlife that it was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the then new Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Since then, it appears to have been largely forgotten despite SSSI status meaning the level of protection is very high with even criminal responsibility in some circumstances. Unfortunately, many locals remain unaware of this level of protection even though the area is heavily used for recreational purposes as a result of it being in an urban centre. It is difficult for any one of the many landowners to take responsibility for a cohesive approach for the whole area, resulting in little being done to raise awareness. With a growing realisation of the need for an organisation to try to provide a collaborative approach to the area, the idea for the Friends of Adur SSSI emerged. And we need you to join us in spreading the word about the existence of the SSSI, why it is there and what we can all do to protect it.
A Voice for the Adur SSSI
The Friends of Adur SSSI gives the community a platform to voice their concerns and ideas for the continued recreational use of the river whilst being mindful of the need to ensure that birds and other wildlife are not disturbed, and the salt marsh is not eroded. We are developing a relationship with Natural England (which has responsibility for the SSSI) and hope to develop relationships with other authorities and the landowners to raise awareness of the habitat. Currently our focus is on relationships with various user groups of the river, such as dog walkers, wingfoilers, bait diggers/anglers, paddleboarders, birdwatchers and canoeists. Our aim is to ensure everyone knows about the SSSI and how behaviour can be altered to minimise disturbance and damage.
What is encouraging is that every member of the community with whom we have engaged has felt ownership of the area and an inclination to do everything they can to avoid disturbing wildlife while still enjoying their recreational pastimes along the river. More dogwalkers are preventing their dogs running over the salt marsh and mud flats, keeping to the designated paths; and wingfoilers and paddleboarders are keeping to established entry and exit points ensuring their community members appreciate the importance of where they are.
We ask that you join us simply by telling others that the SSSI exists, staying to designated paths, and subscribing to our news updates. And remember that any one of the birds you see whilst along the river may have travelled thousands of miles to be feeding and resting there. We are privileged to be hosts to such voyagers.
Visit their website www.friendsofadursssi.org.uk to find out more.
Sarah Hunt from The Friends of Adur SSSI will be giving a talk to the Shoreham Society on Friday 21 March at 7pm in St Peter’s Church Hall, West Street, Shoreham.
Images courtesy of Friends of Adur SSSI
