Sussex Heritage Coast Visitor Management Plan

The ambition is the development of a strategic Management Plan, formed from a partnership of public and private landowners, supported by other stakeholders, in the Seven Sisters, Beachy Head, Lullington Heath and Friston Forest area, loosely known as the Sussex Heritage Coast. The management plan seeks to identify the existing issues and opportunities for economic, environmental and social enhancement, including Public Health associated with suicide prevention and intervention, in the protected landscape between Seaford and Eastbourne. This project will be managed by the South Downs National Park Authority (also one of the landowners) on behalf of the following stakeholder organisations: National Trust, Seaford Town Council, Eastbourne & Lewes Councils, East Sussex County Council, Forestry England, Natural England, Wealden District Council, several private landowners and interested parties. The aim of this project, is to create a strategic vision for the Sussex Heritage Coast that will support:

• Better visitor management and dispersal, including optimisation of Sustainable Access

• Enhanced economic benefits across the locality and wider region

• Transforming / recovering the natural landscape

• Increased visitor appreciation and understanding of the natural environment

• Implementation of appropriate road safety and public safety measures

The scope of this work will be a stakeholder-agreed long term Strategic Vision document for the Sussex Heritage Coast area, along with a proposed delivery plan for the first five years. This document will provide the strategic vision for all aspects of visitor experience and supporting local communities to maximise benefits on subjects, including;

• Sustainable visitor management and dispersal
• Sustainable transport, active travel and site connectivity, research and development for improving access for people in nature.
• Supporting visitor economy growth
• Identifying market challenges and opportunities for growth including technology and innovation
• Embracing cultural heritage, artisan crafts and small enterprise
• Coordinated marketing / comms to promote the area for nature and people
• Shared approach to public safety e.g. suicide prevention, cliff safety, beach & river safety
• Protecting and promoting nature recovery

There will be three out deliverables for this project in line with the phases highted in section 4. These will be:

Phase 1 Findings report presented at a stakeholder meeting. Phase 2 Draft themes report presented at a stakeholder meeting Findings report presented at a stakeholder meeting. Phase 3 Final document and delivery plan presented at a stakeholder meeting.