Triple delight as Cockshut Restoration Project scoops more awards

The project, a partnership between Lewes District Council, the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust (OART), and the Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust, was recognised for its outstanding achievements in landscape, ecology, and its positive impact on the South Downs.

It involved the realignment of the Cockshut chalk stream and the creation of six hectares of wetland within Lewes Brooks, which is now a vital habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, egrets, and many species of dragonflies, as well as a popular spot for local residents to enjoy nature.

The scheme received the Landscape and Gardens Award, the ECO Award, and the South Downs Award, adding to its previous honours including the South Downs National Park 2024 Design Awards for Landscape and the coveted People's Choice Award.

Councillor Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems at Lewes District Council, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that the Cockshut Restoration Project has been so highly recognised at the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, not just once but three times over! This project truly embodies what we can achieve when we work together - it's a shining example of how strong partnerships can deliver incredible results for nature and our community. Witnessing this area transform into a thriving haven for wildlife and a beloved space for residents is truly inspiring, and I couldn't be prouder of everyone involved."

Peter King, Director of the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, said "We're delighted to see the Cockshut Restoration Project recognised throughout the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and fantastic to see nature restoration at the top of the agenda. Collecting three awards was wholly unexpected and is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the project from its initial conception all the way through to now. Without the support of a wide range of groups, individuals and organisations the project would not be the success it has become - this is partnership working at its best."

Judges praised the Cockshut Restoration Project for its 'remarkable creation of a chalk stream wetland with community, council and water management teams,' noting it as a 'superb landscaping of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) being validated by breeding wildfowl, transient wildlife populations and local people walking with interest in the biodiversity of their project'. They added it was 'a model project in managing a process to maximise diversity'.

Announcing the ECO Award, judges highlighted the scheme as 'an exemplary demonstration of environmental regeneration, transforming a neglected and overlooked site into a thriving wetland rich in biodiversity and public value'. They commended its embrace of natural processes, such as 'managed flooding for carbon capture,' and lauded its 'collaborative approach, engaging community, council, and conservation partners,' as setting 'a powerful precedent for nature-led design and climate resilience in challenging environments.'

The South Downs Award recognised the project for providing 'positive change, informed by the historic landscape and one that can be replicated elsewhere, giving landowners the inspiration.' Judges observed that 'the site after 18 months has an abundance of wildlife,' and applauded it as 'an excellent example of a partnership that has given nature the opportunity to recover and a place for wildlife and people to enjoy.'

Funding for the project was provided by South Downs National Park Authority, Veolia Environmental Trust and Lewes District Council.

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