- L
❗ Help Us Explore Kelp Restoration ❗
The Hastings Kelp Project continues to grow as a grassroots, volunteer-led initiative dedicated to exploring kelp restoration for wildlife, climate resilience and community engagement along the Sussex coast. This work is driven by people passionate about nature, science and rebuilding healthy ocean ecosystems — with no government funding, just community support.
Where We Are Now
- A dedicated kelp research lab - We now operate a modular kelp research lab in Hastings — the only laboratory of its kind in the whole of England — allowing us to culture kelp, research, study, analyse, and test, as well as store spores long-term, and prepare material for future restoration trials.
- Living kelp cultures established - We are successfully growing kelp species under controlled conditions, refining light, temperature and nutrient requirements to match Sussex coastal waters.
- An expansive field team - Our project is now supported by a growing team of divers, marine scientists, ecologists, engineers and conservation experts, enabling us to collect real underwater data and ecological baselines.
- Ecological survey groundwork underway - We are preparing the scientific and regulatory foundations required for restoration, including habitat mapping, biodiversity monitoring, and early stakeholder engagement.
- Operational capacity in place - We now have a RIB with electric engine, core field equipment, and a modular workspace to support sea and lab operations.
- A recognised community project - From volunteers to partner organisations, the Hastings Kelp Project is now part of a wider movement for marine recovery on the Sussex coast.
What 2026 Holds
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year:
- Stronger Data & Research in the Water — We’re expanding underwater research efforts, gathering deeper ecological insights and building a stronger scientific foundation for kelp restoration.
- Enhanced Field Surveys & Monitoring — More diving-based surveys and ecological data will provide clearer evidence of what kelp restoration can achieve in Sussex waters.
- Community Education & Engagement — Outreach with schools, volunteers and local residents will grow, helping people connect with ocean science and stewardship.
- Blueprint for Scalable Restoration — Through collaboration with partners and community scientists, 2026 will further establish a model for kelp and coastal habitat restoration that can be shared around the UK.
Why This Matters
Kelp forests are critical marine habitats that historically supported rich biodiversity on the Sussex coast. Restoring them can:
- Provide habitat, food and shelter for fish and invertebrates.
- Capture and store significant amounts of carbon.
- Potentially shield shorelines from erosion and support local economies through healthier ecosystems.
---------------------------------------------------------------
We’re grassroots. Volunteer-led. No government funding. Just people who love animals, the ocean, the planet – and the future of our children.
We’re taking action because doing matters more than talking. The Sussex coastline once thrived with vast kelp forests and abundant marine life, including seahorses, starfish, lobsters, and many fish species. Decades of trawling, pollution, and climate change have dramatically reduced this underwater ecosystem.
Our project aims to explore how kelp restoration could help bring life back—creating shelter for fish, nurseries for marine species, natural carbon storage, and protection for our coast.
What your donation supports:
- Survey and research equipment: Electric engine, dive gear, and underwater camera and tech to assess potential restoration sites.
- Community marine lab: Water testing, core sampling, and species monitoring to understand what conditions kelp needs to thrive.
- Education and outreach: Engaging local schools, volunteers, and the public in marine science and conservation.
This project is about building the groundwork and evidence to show how kelp restoration could support biodiversity, climate resilience, and community engagement. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us take steps toward a healthier ocean.
One of the beautiful beaches along our coast
We’re not just restoring seaweed - we’re rebuilding an entire underwater ecosystem that supports wildlife, climate resilience, and education.
The seals of Fairlight
Where Your Donation Goes
Science & Monitoring
- Lab equipment for environmental sampling and analysis
- High-resolution underwater cameras and real-time video feeds
- Diving and survey equipment for ecological research
Regulatory & Infrastructure
- Setup and compliance for a fully operational marine lab
- Licensing and permits to explore restoration work
- Developing scalable protocols that could be replicated elsewhere
Education & Collaboration
- Hands-on student research in partnership with Brighton University
- Workshops and underwater expeditions for local schools
- Community science and public engagement initiatives
A Blueprint for the Future
- This project isn’t just about Hastings. It’s about demonstrating a model for how kelp restoration could revive marine biodiversity, fight climate change, and reconnect people to the ocean. Your support helps us explore what’s possible.
Inspiring the Next Generation
- Through partnerships with schools and universities, we aim to make marine science accessible and meaningful, showing young people the wonder of the marine world just beneath the surface.
Join the Movement
- If you care about climate, marine wildlife, or a better future for our planet, this is your chance to support the exploration and groundwork for kelp restoration.
Every donation helps move us closer to understanding how a thriving ocean can be possible.
Company Sponsorship available
- Sponsor the Hastings Kelp Project to gain recognition on our website, showcase your commitment to the planet, and benefit from carbon offset acknowledgment.
Thank you for believing in the power of community, science, and exploration.
Donate now. Share this campaign. Be part of the change.
Organizer
Hastings Kelp Project
Organizer