Authorities & Education

The downland running inland from the Coastguard Cottages and down to the beach is:

• in The South Downs National Park

• in a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

• is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest  (home to 2 extraordinary rare species)

• part of The Sussex Heritage Coast

• part of The Seaford Head Nature Reserve (managed by The Sussex Wildlife Trust)

• part of the Marine Conservation Zone

So it is Special - but to whom? 

To the South Downs National Park Authority who said “the important contribution these buildings make to the National Park and the landscape character of the Seven Sisters are celebrated on the first UK postage stamp of 2021 which celebrates the country’s National Parks. The view chosen for the South Downs National Park is that of the Seven Sisters with the cottages in the forefront highlighting the value and importance of these structures and the contribution they make not only to the character of this area and landscape but the entire National Park”.

To academics researching and studying geology, history, botany, archaeology, palaeontology.

To educators bringing to the site thousands of students of all ages both national and international.

To tourism when visitors from home and overseas come to Cuckmere Haven year round  to be amazed by this magical place.

To the Local Authorities for the  benefit to the local economy by visitors spending on accommodation particularly in Seaford and the Cuckmere Valley villages in hotels and B&Bs, but also in Brighton and Eastbourne. 

University of the 3rd Age geology class

“The cliffs give us a glimpse of a geology that goes back almost 100 million years to the Cretaceous Period, when Europe was about 35 degrees North and southern Britain was under 100m of warm sea water.”

The University of Sussex has supported research at Cuckmere Haven to characterise the shoreline and estuary processes that will govern the future evolution of this celebrated landscape, enjoyed by so many including local residents and seasonal visitors.

“Specific attention is being given to the historical, current and future changes to the shore platform, beach and cliffs, and the potential impacts of sea level rise and climate change over the next 100 years.

The magnitude and frequency of storms and their impacts on the shoreline, existing coastal defences and adjacent cliffs and estuary, seriously threaten the sustainability of the former coastguard cottages and cable hut. 

It is hoped that this new research will provide a strong scientific base to reconcile the interests of local stakeholders whilst allowing the shoreline to evolve 'naturally'."

Roger Moore - Professor of Applied Geomorphology
Chichester I, Room CI141, Department of Geography School of Global Studies
University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton

100 Great Geosites

The Geological Society of London has selected this view as one of the 100 great Geosites.

The UK and Ireland feature some of the most diverse and beautiful geology in the world, spanning most of geological time, from the oldest Pre-Cambrian rocks to the youngest Quaternary sediments. As part of Earth Science Week 2014, The Geological Society and partner organisations celebrated this unique geo-heritage by launching a list of 100 Great Geosites across the UK and Ireland.

Categories

We’ve split the sites into ten categories, although many sites fit into more than one! The winner of the public vote in each category has pride of place as the ‘People’s Favourite’.

Cuckmere Haven fits into Category 7: Coastal, where it is grouped with the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head for its spectacular scenery. Other great sites in Britain and Ireland include Lulworth and the Giant’s Causeway.

The Geological Society of London