Kelp Beds - A UK Rewilding Case Study

Vast kelp beds once supported a wondrous diversity of marine life, off the coast of Sussex in the UK. They filtered the water, protected the coast from storms and supported local fisheries. By the mid-1980s, 96% of Sussex kelp had disappeared. However, there is an ambitious project underway to bring it back. 

This is an example of rewilding - an approach that can enable progress in the face of today’s biggest global issues, from biodiversity loss to the climate crisis.

In this episode host Niki is joined by two expert guests.

Rebecca Wrigley (CEO, Rewilding Britain) and George Short (Sussex Kelp Recovery Project), to discuss rewilding as a concept... and see how it works in action.

By understanding the case study of taking a nature-led approach to the recovery of kelp beds, off the Sussex coast.

In this episode, topics discussed include:

- What rewilding is and how it can offer a "buy one - get five free" list of additional benefits.

- How the Sussex kelp beds got so degraded, and what the process is to enable them to recover.

- Early signs of hope in the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, and the emotional impact they have had on the passionate delivery team.

- How rewilding can work, at both vast and tiny scales, enabling anyone to get involved.

- A fascinating provocation for those living in the British Isles, to get more in touch with an island mentality (and how that could help environmental progress).

Find out more about Rewilding Britain here

Find out more about the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project here

Credits

Presented & Produced by Niki Roach

Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited

With thanks to Alastair Chisholm

Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland