News
Find out what’s happening in the biosphere.
Celebrating ivy – Autumn in The Living Coast
September marks the start of meteorological Autumn and the equinox (21 September) the start of the astronomical Autumn.
Support the next generation of sustainable business leaders
Become a mentor with the University of Sussex Business School.
Showcasing Changing Chalk to the National Lottery Heritage Fund
With the multi-year Changing Chalk project now complete we were thrilled to have the chance to share our achievements with the National Lottery Heritage Fund team.
Protecting our urban coastline
Spotted a large dredger off the coast of Hove recently? It's part of the Brighton Marina to River Adur Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme.
Drought 2026 – Save water at home to help our Biosphere
The National Drought Group have declared over 70% of the country is now in drought, including across our Biosphere. Here are things to do at home that can reduce your water use and help the environment.
Plastic Pollution: From Everyday Choices to System Change
How individual action, community effort, policy and practical local projects can all help reduce plastic waste
The Brighton Chalk Block Aquifer
How our local aquifer works, why it matters, what puts it at risk, and how we can help protect it
UNESCO in the UK – South East England network event in The Living Coast
We were honoured to host the UK National Commission for UNESCO South East England Local to Global Summer Workshop 2026 last week in ...
Our latest Partnership event: Our Biosphere – shaping the future
We were thrilled to welcome over 60 partners to our most recent partnership event, held at Fabrica gallery in central Brighton on 3 ...
Supporting our marine ecosystems and economy
Scientists have been coming together over the past few months to recommend new limits to fish catches in order to safeguard marine ...
City Nature Challenge 2026 – first results from the weekend!
The first phase of the City Nature Challenge 2026 took place across the weekend of 24 - 27 April and we can already see from the early ...
Supporting the protection of our Marine Conservation Zone
We have recently submitted a formal response to the Marine Management Organisation's consultation on the Brighton Marina dredging ...
Celebrating The Living Coast Undersea Experience
This month marks the close of a brilliant chapter for KP Projects’ The Living Coast Undersea Experience. After touring across Sussex ...
Introducing our new chair, Dean Orgill
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dean Orgill as the new chair of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere in Sussex. It ...
The Glass is Still Half Full – By Martin Harris
On 31 December I hang up my Biosphere boots – at least the ones marked ‘chair’ - and begin a new challenge to support the vital work ...
Watch The Greening The Cities Bee Bank Film
The South Downs on our doorstep are a magical place for wildlife, old chalk grassland is a globally rare habitat, home to many special ...
The Wildflower Guardians visit Wakehurst
We were really excited to be able to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew at Wakehurst with the Wildflower Guardians this summer as ...
Celebrating National Tree Week: Protecting Brighton & Hove’s Elm Collection
National Tree Week (22–30 November) is the UK’s biggest annual celebration of trees, marking the start of the winter planting season and shining a spotlight on the vital role trees play in our cities, streets, and green spaces.
Reflections on a Year as a Youth Rep for The Living Coast
Zoe Gowers shares her experience as a youth rep over the last year
The Living Coast celebrates generous contribution from local construction firm
The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere is thrilled to confirm the generous support of local construction firm Morgan Sindall Construction. ...
World recognition for an expanded Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere in Sussex
The designation of The Living Coast Biosphere in Sussex has been renewed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural ...
Celebrating National Volunteer Week with a Day in Nature
From nettle stings to rare wildflowers, The Living Coast Team swapped laptops for gardening gloves at the Carden Park Butterfly and Bee Bank. Guided by local rangers, we discovered how a day of volunteering can restore chalk grassland, while bringing people closer together.
The Tree Festival Symposium – Branch Out!
“All we have is joy and it s now, this what the trees teach us and give us the energy to take action”
We’re Recruiting: New Chair!
The current Chair of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere Partnership & Executive Board, Martin Harris, will be stepping down in the ...
You Are Invited to Protecting Our Precious Groundwater at Shoreham Sustainability Week
Join us on 3 July at 2:45pm for Protecting Our Precious Groundwater Together, a free public talk during Shoreham Port Sustainability ...
“A World-Changing Programme”: What Forbes Learned About UNESCO Biospheres in the UK
Most people have heard of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, places like the Tower of London or the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew that are recognised around the globe for their cultural and natural significance.
The Living Coast Celebrates Trees as Proud Partner of Tree Festival 2025
The Living Coast is thrilled to announce our partnership in this year’s Tree Festival 2025!
Reflections from Zoe, Youth Rep for The Living Coast
As the days stretch longer and the warmth of what feels like summer finally makes an appearance, I’m able to step outside without a ...
The Living Coast Hosts National UNESCO Biosphere Gathering: A Celebration of Nature and Community
We had the honor of welcoming the annual gathering of UNESCO UK and Ireland Biospheres. Over two days, representatives from across the ...
The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere Welcomes Its First Youth Representatives
Meet our first ever Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere Youth Representatives! Amplifying youth voices across our region.
Sustainable Development in Action: Our January 2025 Biosphere Partnership meeting at Projects in the Lanes
Over 90 passionate attendees recently gathered at our meeting on Sustainable Development in Action, an event dedicated to exploring the ways businesses can embed economic development that is socially and environmentally responsible in their strategies and operations.
Wild Park Rainscape: Brighton’s Innovative Nature-Based Project Featured at British Water Conference
The Wild Park Rainscape, an exciting project designed to manage rainwater and create greener spaces in Brighton, was a key feature at the British Water Conference
New wildflower patch in Saunders Park
Title image of volunteers planting wildflowers at Saunders Park in Brighton. Image credit Jess Mead.As part of the Changing Chalk - ...
World Leaders Gather at COP29 in Baku: A Global Call to Climate Action
World leaders begin to gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. As the Intergovernmental ...
Our Rivers – Our October Biosphere Partnership meeting in Lewes
Every quarter we organise thematic meetings that are linked to our strategic goals, inviting a series of local experts to share their ...
Our area celebrates 10th anniversary of being recognised by UNESCO!
Our area celebrates 10th anniversary of being recognised by UNESCO! 10 years of supporting and promoting sustainability excellence
Our new vision, our new goals
A vision shared across the Biosphere Partners: Sustainable Living for everyone
Become a Youth Representative for The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere
Empowering Youth by Connecting Local Action to Global Impact
Enhancing urban biodiversity – Wildflower Guardians celebrate their first birthday
Title image of the Wildflower Guardians at work on Donkey Well Meadow, Stanmer Park. Image credit Mike LuscombeA year ago this ...
New Research Shows Prescribing Nature Boosts Happiness and Reduces Anxiety
A major new study, led by Ruth Garside from the University of Exeter, reveals that spending time outdoors through "green social ...
Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO’s programmes and sites
New sites selected for the final cycle.
Become a Youth Representative for The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere
Empowering Youth by Connecting Local Action to Global Impact
Gathering with the London & South East UNESCO sites at the Tower of London
On Monday 17th of June, the UK National Commission for UNESCO invited all of the UNESCO designated sites from London and the SouthEast ...
Sussex Bay successfully launches to support marine conservation
A new movement aimed at restoring the marine environment in Sussex launched on 13 June at the Brighton Corn Exchange.Sussex Bay seeks ...
UNESCO UK Biospheres gather in the Isle of Man
A week of inspiration and unity among the UK Biospheres.
Connecting to the sea for our health & wellbeing
At our Biosphere Partners meeting last March, we had the pleasure to host a talk by Professor Catherine Kelly, author of best-seller ...
Help shape a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Sussex
If you live in Sussex, we need to hear your voice on our Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Environmental education to continue with new funding!
We've partnered with The Aquifer Partnership to boost Brighton & Hove City Council's Our City, Our World program.
The Living Coast looks forward to the next decade
Brighton & Hove City Council has reaffirmed its support of The Living Coast’s renewal of our UNESCO Biosphere designation and future strategic direction.
The Living Coast Artist Residency 2024
How can artists help us shift our perceptions and support the conservation of our shared natural heritage, for our own health & wellbeing?
New B-Bank wildlife haven for Brighton
We are delighted to announce the creation of a new B-Bank (Butterfly and Bee Bank) in Queens Park in Brighton. Work to create the chalk bank started this week.
Hungry for local, sustainable food?
October 2023 saw the launch of the Land Use Plus project, encouraging nature-friendly farming that protects and restores rare local habitats.
17 local champions inspire children to support Sustainable Development Goals
As this year marks the half-way point to achieving the SDGs by 2030, we have interviewed 17 local champions to hopefully inspire children.
Wildflower Guardians restore local habitats in Brighton & Hove
Over 50 volunteers signed up to be Wildflower Guardians in August 2023 as part of the Changing Chalk - Greening the Cities project. ...
Wild News! Brighton & Hove’s wildflower boom
Since it declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2018, Brighton & Hove City Council has looked to shift focus to biodiversity conservation starting from the ground up - literally.
TLC attends UNESCO’s launch event for sustainable development projects
Martin Harris of The Living Coast Board represented us at the event in Venice this month to report on progress of the Wild Park ...
Creating a sustainable future for The Living Coast
The Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB) is awarding £10,000 to The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere to secure its future for the next 10 years.
UNESCO launches map of UK sites including The Living Coast
A new map has been unveiled featuring all 58 United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sites in the UK. ...
Have your say on the future of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere
With 2024 marking the 10-year anniversary of our Biosphere designation, The Living Coast is planning for the next decade.
Changing Chalk Farm School Project
Primary school children in Brighton & Hove have been spending time with the farming community on their doorstep, learning about nature preservation, local food and farming production, and finding out how local farmers are protecting our chalk grassland.
UNESCO visits The Living Coast
We were proud to showcase our unique urban biosphere to a delegation from UNESCO in July. We showed how their funding is extending our ...
Climate Action! Festival 2023
From 24-27 June 2023, Depot will host its annual Climate Action! Festival, with the theme of ‘Journeys’ - our footprint on the earth.
The US to rejoin UNESCO
The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, gathered representatives of the Organization’s 193 Member States this week to inform them that the United States of America has officially notified her of its decision to rejoin UNESCO in July 2023, on the basis of a concrete financing plan.
The Cockshut Stream Restoration Project
We know that there is a global ecological crisis. Though small in the context of world ecological action, the Cockshut stream restoration project is playing a small part on a local scale. The ambition is to preserve this special place, inspiring individuals and communities to engage with and protect our local river systems
Our City Our World keeps rolling out!
Our City Our World is Brighton & Hove’s climate and sustainability programme for schools
Toad patrol sees numbers decline
Toad numbers in Roundhill, Brighton dropped in 2023. Local residents see climate change as the cause.
Let’s Celebrate Earth Day!
The United Nations call it the International Mother Earth Day. Find our what's happening locally and beyond and 'Invest in our planet' this Earth Day
Celebrating 2 years of marine habitat rewilding supported by Sir David Attenborough
In 2021, the Sussex Wildlife Trust, a key partner of our UNESCO biosphere, launched the ambitious and hope-filled Sussex Kelp Recovery Project. 2 years later, kelp is back, bringing along an oasis of life with it!
Changing Chalk Community Grants scheme open for applications
The Changing Chalk partnership has launched a new community grants scheme in eastern Sussex. The Changing Chalk Community Grants scheme will deliver funding to groups who can make a difference in the local area and support Changing Chalk’s overall vision of creating a sustainable future for the eastern South Downs.
Community effort turns tree tragedy into stunning sculpture
One of the oldest English Elm trees in the world that was destined for the incinerator after succumbing to disease is being lovingly transformed into an amazing work of art.
Extinct bat making a come-back?
A second greater mouse-eared bat has been found hibernating in disused railway tunnels in West Sussex.
Ringmer ponds showcase natural flood management
A project to address local flood risk is taking shape in Ringmer...
2022 – Projects, partnerships and a visit from an ambassador
As we look back on a busy 2022 - from launching a new landscape scale project, winning funding and welcoming the UNESCO ambassador, there has been so much to celebrate this year across our Living Coast.
Come and work with us! We’re recruiting to our Biosphere Programme Manager role
This is a rare opportunity to join The Living Coast team and help shape the future of our Biosphere.
N for Nature – Dr Catherine Kelly talks about kindness and nature in The Kindness Chef podcast
Living Coast researcher and board member, Dr Catherine Kelly of University of Brighton, talks about how nature can inspire kindness and wellbeing.
International Biosphere Day
Celebrating the very first International Biosphere Day on Thursday 3 November 2022
A woodland walk in The Living Coast this autumn
Autumn is a time of great natural beauty. Why not go for a walk in one of our Biosphere's great woods to feast the senses?
November 3rd – First ever International Day of Biosphere Regions
Preparations are underway around the world to mark the very first International Day of Biosphere Regions.
Communities taking climate action – Ouse Valley wins £2m funding
Communities in the Ouse Valley are celebrating after being awarded more than £2m to help make the region a national pioneer in tackling the climate change emergency.
Being in Nature – a new book from local authors
A new book, ‘Being in Nature’, has just been published by local environmentalists James Farrell and Lee Evans.
Lewes District Council supports families and sustainable business
Council provides £50 per family to support switch to reusable wipes.
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Madeira Drive Green Wall
Happy birthday to Madeira Drive Green Wall – the oldest, longest green wall in Europe!
The latest buzz from Waterhall Nature Reserve
A recent survey of Waterhall Local Nature Reserve shows it’s home to a huge range of invertebrates. The reserve has also now been designated as Open Access Land. Read on to find out what this means and how you can explore this wildlife haven.
River Ouse embankment repairs
Essential flood embankment repairs beside the River Ouse during September and October 2022.
Madeira Terrace restoration planning application – comments invited
Comment on the planning application for the first phase of the restoration of Madeira Terrace, Brighton.
Funding success to promote sustainable development through UNESCO’s programmes and sites
The Living Coast wins funding for local partnership research project.
UNESCO Ambassador visits The Living Coast
On Tuesday 9 August The Living Coast was honoured with a visit from the UK's Permanent Ambassador to UNESCO, Laura Davies.
Say hello to our new Education Ranger!
Jess Mead joins The Living Coast team to deliver our local Changing Chalk projects.
Celebrating summer in The Living Coast
Brighton & Hove Wildlife Forum share what our local wildlife is doing in the summer months.
Announcing The Living Coast Artist Residency 2022
Announcing the selected artists for The Living Coast Artist Residencies 2022.
67,000 Citizen Scientists take the City Nature Challenge ’22
The 2022 City Nature Challenge welcomed 67,220 citizen scientists in May to the annual challenge recording local nature in cities across the globe.
Give your views on Shoreham Cement Works Area Action Plan
Help guide the development of this exceptional site
Join us for the launch of Wilding Waterhall
Events to launch our local wilding project from 28 May - 5 June.
Comment on Brighton & Hove’s Plan for their City Downland Estate
Help Brighton & Hove create a 100 year plan for their City Downland Estate.
Amphibians and reptiles of The Living Coast
The coming of Spring heralds the appearance of some of The Living Coasts most special creatures.
Dark Sky explorations around The Living Coast
To celebrate Dark Skies Week artist Steve Geliot took a night time adventure across The Living Coast.
New vegetated shingle habitat at Black Rock
This 600m long boardwalk runs through the entire new wildlife site at Black Rock, allowing close range views of the emerging habitat
New water fountains installed across Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove City Council has installed 6 new water fountains in the city to help reduce plastic waste and provide access to healthy, free drinking water on the go.
Slow it down, soak it up – build a rain garden at home this World Water Day
Help combat climate change and support wildlife at home by creating a rain garden.
Contribute to Brighton & Hove’s City Plan Part 2
New consultation open to look at key modifications to the plan.
Have your say on the proposed new hand gathering byelaw
Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority are consulting on the proposed byelaw.
The Living Coast Artist Residency 2022
Open Call for an Artist Commission: Fabrica, ONCA & The Living Coast Residency 2022
What to look out for in The Living Coast in February
What to look for in The Living Coast in February and March
Consultation now open – supporting nature in building developments in Brighton & Hove
Have your say on Brighton & Hove City Council's newest planning guidance.
Have your say on the Wild Park Rainscape
Learn more and share your thoughts on the proposed new rainscape at Wild Park
Vote for The Living Coast Undersea Experience in the Ouse Valley CARES Community Pitch
Vote by 2 February to support projects bidding to the Ouse Valley CARES Community Pitch
Big Garden Birdwatch – this weekend!
The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch is happening again, this weekend: 28 - 30 January 2022
Job opportunities within the Changing Chalk Partnership
Join the team delivering the Changing Chalk project across The Living Coast and wider Eastern South Downs
New life for The Living Coast
From Kew to Kemptown - Almost 1,000 young plants find a home on Brighton beach
Season’s greetings across The Living Coast
Despite the challenges we all continue to face due to Covid, there has been so much to celebrate this year across The Living Coast.
Free tree identification guides for Brighton & Hove residents
Love trees, but don’t know what you’re looking at? Register to receive your free tree identification guides to help you learn about trees and connect with nature where you live, study or work
Celebrating Starlings with Brighton Pier
New starling observation space #StarlingsRoost launched on Brighton Pier
Build a pond this Autumn and help wildlife in every season
One of the best ways of attracting wildlife to your garden is to put in a pond, and autumn is the best time of year to do it. Brighton & Hove Wildlife Forum share with us their top tips for creating a pond.
A more inclusive and liveable city for everyone
Have your say on improving travel for everyone in a more inclusive and liveable city of Brighton & Hove
Changing Chalk partnership National Lottery Heritage Funding success
A £2.23m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will help restore rare habitats and lost landscapes, bring history and local cultures to life and provide new experiences in the outdoors
Staying Warm this Winter
Rising energy costs is an increasing worry for many. Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative offer advice for homes and businesses.
A Liveable City for Everyone – Car Free Day
22 September is Car Free Day which encourages people to walk, cycle or use public transport, instead of using their car for the ...
Homeward Bound Festival on The Living Coast
Join us for Homeward Bound Festival this October and sample the folk music and flavours, tales and traditions, natural riches and engineering ingenuity that have shaped life on this pebbly, chalk-cliffed stretch of shoreline.
Explore our Natural & Cultural Heritage at Brighton Museum
Visit Brighton Museum before 3rd October and explore our interactive display on the cultural and natural heritage of The Living Coast.
The Living Coast comes alive with summer’s butterflies!
Nothing sums up a Sussex summer more than watching our beautiful butterflies while they dance over the Downs, circle through our woods or flutter in our back gardens.
Living roofs for the Living Coast
Next time you are on the top deck of a Brighton & Hove Bus you might catch a glimpse of the cities first bee bus stop.
Community groups urged to plant trees
Two new rapid tree planting funding opportunities for Green Space Forum members.
2030 carbon neutral programme for Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove City Council has published details of its programme to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
Biodiversity expert welcomes Lewes Council’s strategy
A leading expert has welcomed Lewes District Council's biodiversity strategy and called on everyone to invite wildlife into our neighbourhoods.
The Living Coast artist in residency – Algologies by Anna Dumitriu
Fabrica and The Living Coast are delighted to announce that Anna Dumitriu has been selected for the Fabrica-Living Coast Artist Residency 2021.
Calling garden and wildlife enthusiasts!
Wilder Gardens is the perfect opportunity for you to green your garden, your street and your community.
UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development
Today marks the start of the UNESCO world conference on Education for Sustainable Development.
Explore the Living Coast by bike
Be a low impact traveller this summer and explore the coast and countryside of The Living Coast by Bike.
City Nature Challenge 2021 – results so far, keep submitting your observations!
People all across the Brighton & Eastern Downs have helped us learn more about the flora and fauna of our region in both urban and rural areas.
#LeaveNoTrace across our Living Coast
#LeaveNoTrace Brighton is a community-initiated, proactive campaign to raise awareness and promote responsible rubbish disposal on Brighton's beaches and green spaces.
Blue Hearts for rewilding
The BLUE campaign was founded in 2014 by wildlife filmmaker Fergus Beeley in response to the State of Nature report published that year which showed a dramatic decline in Biodiversity in the UK. Find out how to get involved.
Biocultural Heritage Tourism virtual conference and study tour 2021
The Living Coast will host a conference and study tour.
Our Biocultural Heritage Tourism project in 2021
Here’s an update on what’s been happening in the past year and things to look forward to in 2021.
Saltdean Tunnel mural is ready for viewing
A successful community project has emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Walks and trails to follow on your phone
Here are a few suggestions for walks which you can follow on your smart phone with the biosphere.
Beauty beneath at Brighton Marina
Take a look through these fantastic shots from Steve Winsor taken recently on The Living Coast right below the surface within the marina.
A cold water love affair
Kim Moore hates the cold but she loves cold water swimming. She explains why.
Discover Brighton’s Dolphins!
While many might not realise it, Brighton has a rich cultural heritage with whales and dolphins (‘cetaceans’).
