Bexhill Beach Garden

The plan

Our local coastal environment is a very special place and is very important for both recreation and for our natural environment. Coastal areas are known to boost mood and positive mental health, has unique habitats for specialised species, and are often classed as areas of interest and conservation.

Bexhill Beach is one such area as it falls in the middle of Beachy Head East Marine Conservation Zone.

Community Supporters, with help from the Bexhill Environmental Group, would like to create a fully accessible beach garden on the beach at South Cliff/West Parade area of Bexhill beach, complete with access ramp, broadwalk and decked areas, native planting, education boards, upgraded accessible toilet facility, disabled parking, and sympathetic artworks. This development will use as much recycled or reclaimed materials as possible (donated by the Environments Agency).

Planting and coastal erosion

We have researched the native planting along the coastline from Eastbourne to Pevensey Bay and on to Glyne Gap. Several species of flowering, non-flowering and fragrant varieties have been identified for planting in the garden area, including Sea Kale, Sea Pea, Sea Spurrey, Sea Grass, Yellow Horned Poppy, and more.

The South Cliff section of the beach is one of the more stable areas of shingle along Bexhill's beach and endorsed by the local Coastal Officer for this project. He felt that this would create an excellent area for everyone to visit, but did point out issues with Climate Change and future coastal erosion needed to be thought through. By increasing the planting in this area coastal erosion will be reduced. The plants are a natural barrier to erosion and their roots help to secure the loose shingle and protect it from being washed away.

Wave of Hope

This is a piece of artwork created by Bexhill Creative with pebbles that were painted by children during the Covid Lockdown of 2020. The pebbles carried sentiments for key workers and families during Covid. This artwork sits on the sea wall at the western end of West Parade and can only be viewed if you're on the shingle. The beach garden would enable everyone to easily access the Wave of Hope and view the sentiments via a boardwalk.

Accessible toilet and parking

At this end of West Parade there is an accessible toilet that we hope to incorporate by upgrading the provision and make it more user friendly for wheelchair users and their carers.

There are 5 parking bays adjacent to the toilets and ideally it would be good to get these turned into disabled bays to give easy access to this part of the promenade and beach. Please Note: future discussions will need to take place with ESCC.

Education 

This project will include the installation of information boards explaining the different types of flora and fauna that can be found on our local shores, and the wildlife habitats that live on and amongst them. 

Future use

We see several opportunities for future use and enjoyment of the area.

* Access to the beach for all.

*Planting to help reduce coastal erosion, create a sensory experience, be visually appealing, and increase the biodiversity along this stretch of coast.

* A place to rest and enjoy the surroundings, to learn about the environment, beach school sessions, and to engage with nature.

* A place to improve individuals physical and mental health through planned activities, fitness groups, etc.

*Volunteering opportunities through the programme of regular maintenance and planting.

Your Support

We can't do any of this project without your support.

We'd love to hear your views and input about the project and any donation help towards the planting costs would really help us get this project off the ground.

Thank you for your support.

You can find out more by visiting www.communitysupporters.org.uk or by emailing [email protected]