Did you know Secret Linen Store is based down in West Sussex? We are very lucky to be so close to the south coast and want to do all we can to protect our natural surroundings.
Something we are passionate about is kelp and helping the kelp recover in our waters. We support the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, which is focused on rewilding the Sussex seabed. The project helps the recovery of kelp and other essential fish habitats at scale in Sussex, to support a thriving and sustainable marine ecosystem that benefits nature, fisheries, coastal communities, and our planet.
Kelp is one of our coastline’s greatest performers. It creates beautiful underwater forests which absorb carbon, filter water, provide nursery areas for juvenile animals and protect the coast from erosion. But by 2019, 96% of Sussex kelp had disappeared. The Sussex Kelp Recovery Project aim to bring it back.
Their Mission
To champion, study and facilitate the recovery of Sussex kelp and other essential fish habitats, through progressive, coherent and collaborative action.
Following the implementation of the Nearshore Trawling Byelaw three years ago, which protected over 300km2 of Sussex seabed, the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project (SKRP) have undertaken huge community engagement efforts and extensive environmental research to understand how kelp, marine animals and fisheries respond to protection from trawling.
Sussex Kelp Recovery Project is the UK’s largest marine rewilding project, which means the team follow the ethos of letting nature lead. This means giving natural processes and ecosystems time to recover with minimal human intervention. By focussing on reducing negative human impacts and letting nature lead the way, the kelp that recovers will be stronger and more resilient to threats it may face in the future.
In the words of Sir David Attenborough ‘Sussex’s remarkable kelp forests will now have a chance to regenerate and provide a home for hundreds of species, creating an oasis of life off the coast.
Aims
To support and monitor the natural recovery of kelp and other essential fish habitats in Sussex, and the impact of the Sussex Nearshore Trawling Byelaw (which protected of local seabed).
- To understand the ecological, social and economic value of kelp and other essential fish habitats in Sussex.
- To identify and minimise damaging impacts on existing and potential kelp habitat and other essential fish habitats.
- To assess the need for and the feasibility of active kelp restoration.
- To increase understanding of and community engagement in Sussex kelp and other essential fish habitats, so that their importance to the environment and society are known, and to enable marine ecosystem recovery elsewhere.
How well do you know yout Kelp?
Some kelp can be visible during low tides, the majority however resides permanently beneath the ocean's surface, this area is known as the subtidal. Equipped with claw-like "holdfasts," kelp firmly attach themselves to rocks, pebbles, and man-made structures. Yet, they remain susceptible to detachment during storms, frequently ending up washed ashore on beaches.
What can you expect to see on our Sussex shores:
The four native Sussex kelp species that are the focus of SKRP research and recovery efforts.
We are proud to support this amazing project and hope to see the resurgence of Kelp on our shores.
Please see our Kelp Range , where 1% of sales go to supporting the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project.
We support the project in conjunction with the Sussex Wildlife Trust, all donations go to the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project.
Or see the option to donate at check out.
For more information about the amazing project please visit: https://sussexkelp.org.uk/ and follow @sussexkelp to see their journey to rewild Sussex seas.
You can also help the team map where the kelp is and isn’t recovering by recording whether you do or don’t see kelp when at the beach. Whether you are a beach walker, sea swimmer or scuba diver you can contribute to conservation through the kelp recording scheme! Find out more here: Volunteer | Statamic Peak (sussexkelp.org.uk)
