Cliff Gardens, Seaford. Renaturing Of Mis-used Land

Several years ago, a group from Cliff Close (led by local resident Diana Windley) initiated a project to turn the unmade-up road between Cliff Close and the Esplanade into a garden to increase biodiversity and as part of a series of local Health Walks. This was also to stop the unwanted long-term parking of large camper vans with their associated noise and nuisance during the summer months

The aim: To turn a neglected and mis-used site into an attractive, biodiverse, community garden. Which will be educational and awareness–raising, demonstrating and addressing the effects of climate change on the environment. It will use individual plots to show how plants adapt to their environment, enhance biodiversity by encouraging wildlife. Its use will be as an outdoor classroom and educational site to demonstrate these features to students and the public.

Designed by Gabby Tofts and acclaimed local sculptor Christian Funnell, creator of Seaford’s much-loved ‘The Shoal – Seaford Community Bench’, there is new public seating areas and sculptures included within the Cliff Gardens project. The project was also to resurface a section of the National Cycle Route 2 that was in need of repairs.

True Grip first surveyed the site in 2024, needless to say there were a lot of elements to consider to this work, and the community were very much involved, with a lot of council input to be considered.

Finally in early 2026 approval was given and we started the work. First thing was the cycle path. 161lm of PCC edging kerbs were laid on a concrete bed and haunched. Then 272m2 of AC 20 dense binder with AC 6 close surf asphalt installed, to keep access for the public and the National Cycle Route open. 443m2 was re-graded and compacted to receive 50mm depth of 20mm shingle. 27lm of new C250 drainage installed and connected to 2 new 2m3 soakaways excavated and installed by True Grip. Seven areas for planters were re-graded and levelled ready to receive Christian Funnell’s amazing Corten steel creations. And finally, the Meander Path, re-graded and compacted, edged in Ashdown multi stock bricks and finished with 246m2 of Addagrip Terrabase resin bound gravel using 6mm-10mm Rustic Beach at 35mm.

Our team worked very hard on this project and to a very high standard, liaising with the locals and council officials to pull off an amazing scheme. If you happen to be in Seaford one day, we suggest you take a look.

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