Adur River Recovery
A Sussex-Born Blueprint for Nationwide Recovery
The Project
The Adur River Recovery project is a land manager-led initiative to restore one of the biggest rivers in West Sussex. As a national Landscape Recovery pilot project supported by Defra, we’re reconnecting vital nature recovery sites with the help of 27 farms & estates, conservation partners, and local councils.
The Problem
The River Adur is under threat—habitat loss, species decline, pollution, drought, and flooding are now widespread. Urban development and sea-level rise add further pressure. Without urgent action, these issues will worsen.
The Solution
Renaturalising channels & floodplains
Restoring the river and reconnecting it to its floodplain slows water, reducing both floods and droughts.
Reviving Wetlands & Wildlife
Creating wetlands and saltmarsh boosts biodiversity, captures carbon, and filters pollution.
Enhancing Landscapes
Planting trees, improving fish passage, and tackling invasive species restores balance to ecosystems.
Supporting Sustainable Farming
Nature-friendly farming practices improve soil health, protect water quality, and create a resilient countryside.
Diving into the Numbers
of River Channel
Leading Farms & Estates
of Riverside Habitat
Partners
of Nature Recovery
Strategic Location
Latest News
Steps to Restoration: walking from Pad Farm to Bramber Brooks
Adur River Recovery led a walk showcasing restoration plans, uniting experts, walkers, and stakeholders to revive the River Adur.
River Recovery Dogs
Adur River Recovery launches a ‘paw-tastic’ campaign, seeking dog-walking ambassadors to protect waterfowl and wildlife along the River Adur.
Reviving the River Adur: a path to thriving kelp forests
Restoring the River Adur from source to sea boosts landscapes, wildlife, and even Sussex’s historic kelp forests, creating bigger, better ecosystems.
Contact
Knepp Wildland Foundation
Knepp Castle Estate Office,
Horsham,
West Sussex,
RH13 8LJ