17 September 2008: Wetlands for the Old Brickfield, Seaford

Media: PR 1051

Located on Seaford seafront in a dip in the landscape, the Old Brickfield nature reserve occupies a former tidal inlet and, as the name suggests, has been used in the past for brick making. It is owned and managed by Lewes District Council in partnership with local community group the Friends of the Brickfield and is a designated ‘Site of Nature Conservation Interest’.

The site was saved from housing development in 1997 following a public enquiry and now provides an interesting grassland habitat for kestrels, frogs, lizards, voles and other wildlife.

The Friends of the Brickfield are delighted to have received over £6000 from Awards for All, a lottery grants scheme for local community projects. The money will be used to create a small wetland area to encourage rare wildlife to the field, as well as supporting a family launch festival event next summer. The wetland will be situated at the north of the field and as well as providing an important habitat for wildlife this grant will help to conserve a valuable green space for local residents and walkers. 

Chair of the Friends, David Taylor said: “This is excellent news.  It will ensure the stability of the area”.

Dan Ross, Community Ranger at Lewes District Council highlighted the opportunities that the new wetland area will provide for field trips by local schools and community groups. He said “I am very pleased that the Friends have received such a valuable grant. Sites such as the Brickfield play a vital role in educating and inspiring young people today who will be the environmentalists of tomorrow”.

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Media enquiries: Liz Lacon, Communications Manager liz.lacon@lewes.gov.uk