ACTA undertook an ecological survey of the whole of Eastbourne Borough in order to identify Sites of Nature Conservation Importance.

Potential sites were identified from previous surveys, air photographs and discussions with local experts.

Assessment was based on vegetation and habitat appraisal and the information put before an expert panel.

Eastbourne developed at the junction between shingle beaches, chalk downland and grazing marsh. Almost all of the significant sites developed from survivals of these three habitats.

Despite the land use changes and the recreational and development pressures in an urban area it was found that outstanding examples of chalk grassland in particular survive and often receive more appropriate management than equivalent sites in rural areas.