About Us
Our aims
By harnessing the expertise of local environmental scientists and collaborating with various organizations, our aim is to restore the coastline and spearhead a community-driven initiative that propels Hastings and East Sussex into the national spotlight as a proactive, environmentally conscious hub for the future. Through partnerships with scientists, local authorities, businesses, marine organizations, PhD students, and beyond, we envision not only realizing a wildlife sanctuary but also establishing a research nexus for marine studies. Currently tranquil and serene, our goal is to enhance this environment sustainably, transforming the 4.5-mile expanse of untouched cliffs and shingle beach into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Picture seals, porpoises, and dolphins cavorting alongside lobsters, crabs, starfish, nudibranchs, sea urchins, whales, and an abundance of marine life adorning our coastal stretch.
Who are we?
We're a collective of like-minded individuals, including scientists, environmentalists, and climate activists, united by our shared dedication to the oceans, the planet, and its wildlife. We're fortunate to collaborate with exceptional partners from diverse corners of the scientific and oceanic realms, as well as with influential local leaders and community members. Their invaluable support, guidance, and collaboration amplify our impact, allowing us to work together as a cohesive team capable of effecting positive change for all flora and fauna.
Our plan
To start, we'll cultivate kelp with precision in a controlled environment laboratory located conveniently in a nearby industrial estate warehouse. Every aspect of its management will be carefully overseen to ensure optimal growth conditions. Once the kelp is well-established, we'll transfer it to the coastal area, integrating it into the natural environment with the hope that it will thrive, reproduce, and contribute to the development of a robust, sustainable underwater forest. Our initial plan spans 10 years, with ongoing research and studies.
The future...
Collaborating closely with a variety of marine organizations, alongside numerous scientists and environmental groups, we are committed to cultivating and restoring the coastline near Hastings. Our ongoing efforts will involve monitoring, assessing, supporting, surveying, and maintaining the environment through a united, forward-looking approach. By fostering greater understanding and community involvement, our collective aim is to create an exceptional natural habitat that benefits all inhabitants.
Research
In addition to tracking the growth of kelp and the revival of wildlife, we'll conduct field surveys and analyse satellite imagery to establish a comprehensive historical perspective and develop a roadmap for the future. We'll also undertake various research initiatives and projects to enhance our understanding, monitoring, and management of kelp growth, climate change impacts, marine life potential in the region, and numerous other objectives.
Kelp
Kelps, also referred to as seaweed, are sizable brown algae belonging to the order Laminariales. These underwater forests serve as crucial ecosystems, offering sustenance, refuge, breeding grounds, and safeguarding for a diverse array of marine creatures, including seals, lobsters, and numerous other species. Remarkably, kelp has the capacity to capture and store up to 200 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, surpassing the capabilities of many terrestrial forests, effectively sequestering vast amounts of CO2 in ocean sediments indefinitely.