Understanding and improving the water environment across the Adur & Ouse Catchment
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The Issues
Rivers, wetlands and marine environments are all under pressure. Understanding the issues is key to providing lasting solutions for both people and nature.
Explore the Catchment
Do you know where your local river or stream is? Our map shows the catchment and provides information on the water environment across the whole area.
Get Involved
There are many ways you can help to improve the local environment and we are always keen to get people and business involved in our activities.
What is a catchment?
A catchment is an area of land including hills, farmland, woodlands, towns and villages from which water drains after rainfall. This water flows into streams, rivers, lakes and underground aquifers, eventually flowing into the sea through our estuaries. The water which flows above ground is called surface water and the water that seeps into the soil is called ground water. There are 100 catchment areas in England and Wales, all are different but all are formed on the basic principle that they collect all the rainfall in that area.
Catchments provide a range of benefits for people and wildlife, they provide natural flow to rivers, sustain wetlands and host a diverse array of plants and animals. We use the water collected within the catchment for many things; to drink and use in our homes, produce food, support local industry and provide recreational activities such as angling, canoeing and swimming.
Our Areas of Work
Coastal Waters
The estuaries and marine environment provide precious habitats and a range of benefits. Find out more about our aims for the central Sussex Coast.
Natural Flood Management
How we work with nature and natural processes across the catchment to reduce the risk of flooding to local communities in our area.
Groundwater
Find out more about how we are supporting the protection of water in the aquifers of the South Downs, a vital supply of drinking water.
Latest News
Read moreOpportunities at IFCA
Sussex IFCA is looking to recruit several members to the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). Each IFCA needs members who will take a balanced approach to caring for our seas, assessing the priority and importance of all users and stakeholders. The Sussex IFCA is seeking proactive individuals with good communication skills and a … Continued
South East Water Catchment Newsletter
Catch up on the latest news from around the catchment from South East Water and Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer Anne Blockhus. Discover some of the innovative projects being undertaken, grants and funds which are available and more about how changes to Greening Rules could provide opportunities within Countryside Stewardship schemes. To see the full newsletter … Continued
Farm Capital Grant Scheme from Southern Water
Southern Water is offering capital grants of up to £10,000 per holding per year for new machinery and infrastructure improvements to help reduce the risk of water pollution from farming in their drinking water catchments. Find out more about the grant scheme and how to apply here