Shoreham Port has unveiled Southwick Reef, which the port describes as the United Kingdom’s largest living seawall. The installation runs along the Harbour Arm in West Sussex and sits within an active port area that supports commercial operations and a leisure marina.
Southwick Reef was developed through collaboration between Adur and Worthing Councils, Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Bay, Sussex Dolphin Project and the University of Brighton.
The launch aligns with Shoreham Port’s Sustainability Week, scheduled for the week commencing 22 June 2026. The project introduces habitat features to existing sea defences to support marine biodiversity, research and community engagement.
The living seawall includes three distinct habitat features installed along the Harbour Arm. Habitat panels with varied surface designs were mounted vertically, with a plain panel included for comparison.
Vertipools made from low-carbon concrete retain seawater and reflect features found along natural rocky shorelines. Reef Cubes have been placed among existing sea defences and include textured surfaces, recessed pools and internal openings for marine species.
Two ecological baseline studies were completed in 2025 before installation began. Surveys undertaken with the Shoresearch team from Sussex Wildlife Trust recorded more than 90 species across rock armour, sheet piling and beach habitats. The studies provide a reference for monitoring changes at the site.
Long-term research supports the project through a PhD researcher from the University of Brighton. The work will monitor biodiversity above and below the tide line using camera monitoring, environmental DNA sampling and established surveying methods. Public perceptions and the social value of marine enhancements will also be examined.
“We are thrilled to have brought together such an inspiring group of local organisations to deliver this collaborative project. Southwick Reef underscores our shared ambition to enhance the marine environment whilst fostering greater community engagement in conservation and sustainability. We hope that Southwick Reef provides a further reason for people to visit the area, an attraction for parents and children to explore and a place to get students engaged in marine conservation,” said Tom Willis, chief executive at Shoreham Port.
“We hope this will be a great learning experience that influences future marine construction to boost biodiversity. The learning from this project will have repercussions for generations and can inspire everyone to understand and enhance our marine environment. There’s no reason why industry and wildlife can’t coexist for the benefit of all,” said Brian Rousell, Shoreham Port’s director of engineering and IT.
Shoreham Port was established in 1760 and handles around 2 million tonnes of commercial cargo each year, while recording approximately 14,000 leisure boat movements through its lock gates. Its facilities include a leisure marina, chandlery and vessel maintenance services.
Images courtesy of Shoreham Port.
