Goals and visions
We are exploring the potential to rewild 3,000 hectares of historic kelp habitat along the Sussex coast, an area larger than central London. This underwater environment may be highly effective for carbon sequestration, potentially capturing significantly more CO₂ per hectare than terrestrial forests. As one of the UK’s few sites suitable for large-scale kelp recovery, the project offers a unique opportunity to study and demonstrate the benefits of blue carbon, biodiversity restoration, and community-led climate action. With the right support, it could provide insights into transforming degraded seabeds into healthier, more resilient marine ecosystems.
Carbon capture
Kelp forests are highly effective natural carbon sinks, with the potential to absorb far more CO₂ per hectare than terrestrial forests. Globally, they sequester significant amounts of carbon each year, with a portion stored long-term in ocean sediments. By drawing CO₂ from seawater, kelp can help reduce ocean acidification and support marine ecosystems. Fast-growing and low-impact, kelp rewilding provides a scalable, nature-based approach to climate mitigation and contributes to broader efforts to reach net-zero targets.
Biodiversity
Kelp forests create complex, three-dimensional habitats that support a wide variety of species, including fish, shellfish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Rewilded kelp areas have the potential to increase species richness significantly over time. They help restore natural food webs, provide nurseries for young marine life, and can help regulate populations of species such as sea urchins. By enhancing biodiversity and strengthening coastal ecosystem resilience, kelp habitats play an important role in restoring balance to degraded marine environments.
Carbon offsetting
Kelp rewilding provides businesses with a nature-based approach to carbon management, with the potential to sequester far more CO₂ per hectare than terrestrial forests. Globally, macroalgae capture significant amounts of carbon each year, offering a way for companies to explore reducing their emissions footprint. Kelp restoration is a scalable, low-impact solution that can contribute to net-zero or even carbon-negative ambitions. Beyond carbon capture, supporting kelp restoration can help enhance biodiversity, improve ocean health, and align with ESG and sustainability objectives, providing benefits for both climate and nature.
Coastal protection
Kelp forests serve as natural coastal defences, helping to reduce wave energy and limit erosion. Their dense structures can buffer storms, protect habitats, and stabilize sediments. By slowing currents and trapping sand, kelp contributes to the preservation of beaches and underwater ecosystems. Exploring kelp rewilding along the coastline can strengthen resilience against rising seas and extreme weather, providing a nature-based approach to protecting biodiversity and supporting long-term coastal community safety.
Education
Kelp restoration provides engaging, hands-on learning experiences for all ages, particularly school children. It connects young learners to marine life, climate action, and biodiversity through practical, real-world science. Activities can include beach visits, underwater monitoring, and citizen science projects, inspiring early environmental stewardship. Kelp rewilding also raises public awareness about ocean health and climate solutions, making complex issues tangible. As an educational tool, it fosters curiosity, sustainability values, and active community involvement in protecting the planet.
Community
Kelp rewilding empowers communities through citizen science, giving people the chance to actively contribute to marine conservation. Volunteers can assist with underwater surveys, species counts, and water quality monitoring, generating valuable data while deepening local engagement. These projects raise environmental awareness and foster collaboration between scientists, schools, and the public. Citizen involvement strengthens kelp restoration, supports biodiversity, and connects people directly to climate solutions, making ocean recovery a shared mission grounded in education, action, and long-term stewardship.
Evidence-Based Rewilding Disclaimer
All rewilding activities will be guided by rigorous scientific research, including historical species distributions and ecological growth patterns. Any interventions will only take place with the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with environmental and legal standards while exploring how kelp restoration could support biodiversity and coastal resilience.