RESIDENTS in Bexhill can now access parts of the beach they couldn’t before, thanks to a unique initiative funded totally by grants and donations.
The Beach Garden is the brainchild of ex-Mayor Lynn Langlands, who has worked tirelessly since 2020 when she realised that disabled people had difficulties accessing the beach, so the idea was pitched to create the garden.
Located on West Parade, the project is open to the public after four weeks of building and raising awareness of the project to passers-by. It will cost around £60,000 to complete with the ongoing maintenance costs being met with other donations and grants.
The design was created by Elise Liversedge, a local architect, after consultation with individuals and groups who had problems accessing the beach.
The Environment Agency offered reclaimed wood to be able to create most of the structure, which the sea has already weathered.
Hugh Allen from Bruce and Co Builders of Bexhill, whose family have completed a variety of projects locally since 1889, ensured the project is sympathetic to its surroundings and, wherever possible, made from recycled materials.
Native beach plants such as sea kale, carpobrolus, sea grass, sea spurrey, sea pea, and yellow-horned poppy will be planted in the spring to decorate the gardens. The intention is to make it an educational environment with information boards explaining the different types of plants found on the local shores and the wildlife habitats that live on and amongst them.
The particular part of the beach was selected for a number of reasons and highlighted by the Environment Agency as a ‘stable’ area which does not flood and is protected by sea defences. Also, it is convenient for the nearby toilets, ease of parking and the location of the ‘Wave of Hope’, a major community artwork created by Bexhill Creative with pebbles painted by children during the Covid Lockdown of 2020.
Lynn Langlands said: “Following a meeting with the Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Defence team and hearing about how it plans to reduce coastal erosion as a result of climate change, I had an idea for a project on the beach in Bexhill-on-Sea.
I was keen to try and demonstrate in a small way how we might be able to create a garden area on the shingle that would increase biodiversity and, in turn, show how natural solutions such as planting can help to stabilise the shingle.
I was also increasingly aware that many of our residents and their families were being denied access to one of our town’s greatest assets… the sea. The access to the beach is limited, and the only ramp and boardwalk is far up the Eastern end of the promenade.”
I am working with the Rother Officer for Equality and Diversity to ensure that all local groups are aware of the project and can contribute and influence outcomes.”
Residents are being urged to lend their support to the project by sponsoring a plank. For a £100 donation, you can have a specially engraved plank on the garden.
Visit the Eco Hub in The Mall in Western Road, or email hello@communitysupporters.org.uk or call 07852 763706.
