News

Find out what’s happening in the biosphere.

Hungry for local, sustainable food?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 keeps rolling out!

Our City Our World is Brighton & Hove’s climate and sustainability programme for schools

Toad patrol sees numbers decline

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!

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

International Biosphere Day

Celebrating the very first International Biosphere Day on Thursday 3 November 2022

A woodland walk in The Living Coast this autumn

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

River Ouse embankment repairs

Essential flood embankment repairs beside the River Ouse during September and October 2022.

Madeira Terrace restoration planning application – comments invited

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

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

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.

Drought 2022 – How to save water at home to help our biosphere

Drought 2022 – How to save water at home to help our biosphere

Whilst the temperatures have cooled slightly and we even have some rain, we are still officially in a period of drought, possibly for several more months. Here are things to do at home that can reduce your water use which will help the environment.

Say hello to our new Education Ranger!

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

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 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

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

Give your views on Shoreham Cement Works Area Action Plan

Help guide the development of this exceptional site

Sussex Gin & Fizz Festival

Sussex Gin & Fizz Festival

Celebrate local producers at the Sussex Gin and Fizz festival.

Join us for the launch of Wilding Waterhall

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

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

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

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

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

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.

City Nature Challenge 2022

City Nature Challenge 2022

Does Brighton have more birds than Bristol? Cardiff more chestnuts than Coventry? Manchester more minibeasts than Middlesbrough? Help us find out by taking part in City Nature Challenge!

Slow it down, soak it up – build a rain garden at home this World Water Day

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

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

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

The Living Coast Artist Residency 2022

Open Call for an Artist Commission: Fabrica, ONCA & The Living Coast Residency 2022

Discover 250+ Sussex Walks

Discover 250+ Sussex Walks

Fancy a new adventure? Find wonderful walks and explore undiscovered gems

What to look out for in The Living Coast in February

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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 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

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.

It’s World Water Day

It’s World Water Day

Today is World Water Day and this year the theme is what water means to people.

Biocultural Heritage Tourism virtual conference and study tour 2021

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

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

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

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.

Ultra low emissions for Brighton & Hove

Ultra low emissions for Brighton & Hove

Have you spotted one of the 30 new double decker buses yet?

Beauty beneath at Brighton Marina

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

A cold water love affair

Kim Moore hates the cold but she loves cold water swimming. She explains why.

Discover Brighton’s Dolphins!

Discover Brighton’s Dolphins!

While many might not realise it, Brighton has a rich cultural heritage with whales and dolphins (‘cetaceans’).

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