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Adur River Recovery

At the heart of the Weald to Waves corridor, the Adur River Recovery Project is bringing the River Adur back to life. Through channel restoration, wetland revival, and habitat reconnection, it enhances biodiversity, water quality, and resilience to climate change.

About The Project

The Adur River flows through the heart of the Weald to Waves corridor, where we are proud to support an ambitious plan to restore it to a  naturally functioning river system. The Adur River Recovery Project is a landmark initiative to restore the health and resilience of the River Adur, one of Sussex’s most important waterways. With support from Defra’s national Landscape Recovery pilot, the project brings together 27 farms and estates, conservation partners, and local councils to deliver a landscape-scale restoration effort.

The River Adur faces mounting pressures from habitat loss, pollution, species decline, flooding, drought, and sea-level rise. By renaturalising channels and floodplains, reviving wetlands and wildlife, and supporting sustainable farming, the project aims to boost biodiversity, improve water quality, and create a climate-resilient landscape that benefits both people and nature.

Adur river recovery logo

Project Aims

Renaturalise river channels and floodplains to slow water, reduce flooding, and mitigate drought.
Revive wetlands, saltmarsh, and wildlife to enhance biodiversity, filter pollution, and store carbon.
Enhance landscapes by planting trees, improving fish passage, and controlling invasive species.
Support sustainable and nature-friendly farming to protect soil health and water quality.
Flooded farmland- Naomi Humphreys

Collaborative Effort

The success of the Adur River Recovery Project has been thanks to the amazing partners, who have contributed their expertise and resources to the scheme. Without them, nature recovery on a landscape scale would not be possible.

OART logo
Sussex Wildlife Trust logo
Horsham District Council Logo
Natural England Logo
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs logo
Environment Agency Logo