Celebrating a century of nature’s greatest storyteller
Sir David Attenborough’s lifelong dedication to storytelling has inspired not only curiosity, but a deep sense of responsibility to protect our oceans. That influence is strongly felt in Sussex through the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project. Once vast underwater forests, local kelp beds have declined dramatically over the past fifty years, despite their critical role in supporting marine life, storing carbon, and protecting coastlines. Their recovery offers a powerful story of hope, showing what can be achieved through collective action and shared commitment.
Sir David has played a key role in amplifying this story, narrating the original Help Our Kelp film and bringing national and global attention to Sussex’s disappearing kelp. In his book Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness, he reflects on both the fragility and resilience of these habitats, highlighting how local efforts can drive meaningful environmental change. His support has helped elevate the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project into a wider movement for seabed recovery, reminding us all of the importance of our marine world. To listen to the Sir David Attenborough narrate the kelp chapter of the audiobook 'Ocean: Earth's Last Wilderness', click the button below:
Attenborough Appreciation Day, at the De La Warr Pavillion
A fabulous day was had to celebrate Sir David’s 100th birthday with the Sussex Wildlife Trust at the De La Warr Pavillion. The day was filled with films, family activities and a chance to share the work of Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, a project which Sir David helped to launch.
Seasearchers in Sussex!
Last weekend we took part in the Seasearch Observer Course, run by Sussex Wildlife Trust - a fantastic programme that equips divers and snorkelers with the skills to survey and record marine habitats and species. These surveys help build a vital picture of underwater life around the UK, and data collected in Sussex directly supports our work at the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project. If you dive or snorkel and want to get involved, it’s a brilliant way to contribute to real marine research - and once qualified, every UK dive or snorkel can make a difference.
Cocktails for kelp!
We’re proud to be the chosen local charity for Brighton cocktail bar, Clementine & Co’s monthly cause for May. Throughout the month, £1 from every Cocktail of the Week is being donated to support our efforts, with every drink helping to restore marine biodiversity right here in Sussex. Thank you for supporting our work and making a difference. And folks, you still have a couple of days left to enjoy a ‘kelpy’ Cocktail of the Week!
Rustington Museum goes beneath the waves!
During the months of May and June, join us at Rustington Museum to discover what’s happening beneath the waves along our Sussex coastline. Featuring exhibits from Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Underwater, and the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, the display brings our hidden marine world to life in a fun and accessible way. While you’re there, don’t forget to “Take a Kelpie” and tag us on social media. It’s a great way to explore our incredible marine life—no wetsuit required!
Black Sea Bream are recovering!
Our Sussex seas are incredibly clear at the moment, and recent dives by our researchers and team at Sussex Underwater have revealed something truly exciting - Black Sea Bream are back and nesting as far as the underwater eye can see! It’s a remarkable sight and a strong sign of recovery following the removal of trawling in the area. These fascinating fish create shallow “lunar” nests on the seabed, with males devotedly guarding their eggs for up to 15 days - fanning them with their fins and protecting them from predators. As one of the main species previously targeted by trawlers, seeing their return in such numbers is a powerful indication that protections are working and our marine environment is beginning to thrive once again.
Join us again next month, when we hope to bring you more news from beneath the waves!