Join us on 3 July at 2:45pm for Protecting Our Precious Groundwater Together, a free public talk during Shoreham Port Sustainability Week 2025. Held at Nautilus House, this session will explore how groundwater, flooding, and climate resilience are deeply connected, and what we can do about it. Book your free spot now: Eventbrite

Most people don’t give much thought to the water flowing from their tap. But in Brighton, Hove and Shoreham, that water has a remarkable origin story, one that’s becoming increasingly important to tell.

Beneath our feet lies a vast chalk aquifer, an underground reservoir that supplies clean drinking water to over 365,000 people. It’s invisible, vital, and now under serious pressure. Climate change is bringing longer droughts, heavier rainfall, and rising demand, all of which threaten both the quantity and quality of our groundwater. At the same time, this hidden system remains largely misunderstood.

That’s why we’re bringing it to the surface

You’ll hear from Melanie David‑Durand, Biosphere Programme Manager of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, and lead of The Aquifer Project (TAP). As well as Jennifer Okorie, Flood Risk Manager at Brighton & Hove City Council, about how the aquifer works, how nature-based solutions are being used locally to protect communities, and how small everyday actions can add up to real impact.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, educator or just curious, you’ll come away with a fresh perspective on water, climate and place.

The Aquifer Project is hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere. Since 2016, TAP operates as a collaborative group of local water experts from Brighton & Hove City Council’s flood risk team, the Environment Agency, Southern Water’s catchment team, the South Downs National Park Authority and the University of Brighton. It is delivered by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere team.

This event is just one part of Sustainability Week at Shoreham Port, which is packed with inspiring events, from sustainable business panels, southwick reef restoration, and marine ecology tours to creative community gardens and a big beach clean. It’s local climate action done right: hands-on, hopeful, and open to all.

Book your free spot now: Eventbrite

Let’s protect what flows beneath us