Major milestone could see investment secured to support nature along the River Adur
Released: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
A major milestone has been reached in potentially securing tens of millions of pounds in government funding to give nature a better chance to thrive along the River Adur.
The Adur River Recovery project, of which we're a partner, has been seeking significant investment to deliver an ambitious programme of work to restore wetland habitats and create a more connected, resilient landscape across the Adur Valley.
It has now reached a significant milestone, with the government indicating its willingness to allocate £42 million through the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs' (Defra) Landscape Recovery scheme. While funding has not yet been confirmed, the indication marks an important step towards realising the project's ambitions.
The project brings together farms, estates, conservation organisations and local councils to support the recovery of floodplains, wetlands and saltmarsh across 760 hectares of land, stretching from Shoreham to Knepp. The planned work is projected to improve water quality, boost nature, and help mitigate flooding and drought.
Plans include the creation of approximately 56 hectares of new coastal saltmarsh at Pad Farm, a council-owned site on the western bank of the River Adur, just north of the A27. This new habitat would create valuable space for wildlife while helping to strengthen the natural environment around the estuary.
The project also proposes the strategic removal of four major weirs along the river to improve fish passage, alongside the creation of a 900-metre channel to bypass a structure that currently obstructs fish migration. New woodland and hedgerows would further connect habitats across the landscape, helping wildlife move between areas to find food, shelter and mates.
The Adur Estuary, which forms the southern section of the River Adur and includes its banks around Shoreham, is one of the region's most important natural landscapes. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it's a haven for wildlife, where saltmarsh and mudflats provide vital habitats for wading birds and wildfowl.
Stretching from Adur Ferry Bridge to Cuckoo Corner, the estuary's coastal habitats play a crucial role in supporting wildlife throughout the year, offering essential feeding, shelter and breeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. At low tide, species including oystercatchers, little egrets, ringed plovers and lapwings forage for worms and shellfish across the exposed mudflats. At high tide, grey herons, snipe, redshanks and linnets can often be found sheltering among the saltmarsh.
Protecting and enhancing these habitats is essential to ensuring wildlife can continue to thrive, making the wider Adur River Recovery project particularly important for the future health of the river and estuary. It's also a key part of our Vision for Nature, which sets out our commitments to help protect and restore the area's natural environment.
As a landowner and project partner, we are committed to continuing our work with the wider partnership to help deliver a connected, resilient landscape where nature and local communities can flourish.
Councillor Andy Harvey, Adur's cabinet member for environment, said:
“I'm delighted that the Adur River Recovery project has reached this important milestone in the process towards potentially securing this significant funding. The estuary is an important part of our district's natural environment, and we are proud to be one of the partners working together to help restore and enhance this special landscape.
“This is an exciting opportunity to support nature recovery on a large scale, improve habitats for wildlife and help create a healthier, more connected environment for future generations. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners as the project progresses towards securing the funding needed to turn these ambitious plans into lasting benefits for the river, the estuary and our communities.”
The project is now working towards an implementation agreement with government. Subject to that, delivery works are planned over nine years and are intended to start in Spring 2027.
To find out more about the project and its aims, visit the:
Photo: River Adur - Adur Estuary looking towards the old toll bridge
(PR26-097)
Page last updated: 28 October 2026