One in six species in the UK is threatened with extinction. We are working with others to help reverse the tide and protect and restore nature. One example of this work in action is the protection of the Sussex sea trout.

This is a magnificent and powerful fish is an indicator species of river health on which the lives of many other river species depend, and an apex predator of the River Ouse.  They are large fish that leap over obstacles using their strong tails, creating habitat and distributing nutrients as they migrate. They are listed as a Species of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act  Habitats and species of principal importance in England – GOV.UK, and are one of the species listed under the Environment Targets (Biodiversity) Regulations 2023. Sea trout are also listed as a priority species in the draft East Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

The Sussex sea trout spawns in tributaries of the River Ouse in East Sussex, spending two years in the nursery habitats before migrating along the Ouse and into the English Channel, before returning after a couple of years to where they themselves spawned to continue the cycle.

One of the most important tributaries of the River Ouse for sea trout is the chalk-fed North End Stream which the Wild Trout Trust have said is of national and local importance due to it being the spawning ground and nursery habitat of the sea trout.  The Trust has stated that there is irrefutable evidence that the sea trout are currently present in the North End Stream and protection of the stream is therefore paramount.

Much work is underway to try to restore the River Ouse to a healthy state.  TSF has been helping to connect local community and conservation organisations to protect the sea trout. One imminent threat is the possibility of development adjacent to the North End stream. Sea trout numbers are already in steep decline given climate change, pollution and habitat degradation.  Construction and housing in proximity of the North End Stream, which would create silt that suffocates sea trout eggs and juveniles, increase poisonous run-off and even greater sewage spills would have devastating consequences for the sea trout.

We are pleased to have been part of the steering group that helped develop the Charter of Rights for the River Ouse, under which the right of the River Ouse and its tributaries to native biodiversity, freedom from pollution and representation in decisions that affect them, amongst other rights, have been recognised.  Lewes District Council, Lewes Town Council and Hamsey Parish Council have all formally supported the Charter. We look forward to working with them to translate the rights into practical consequences for the streams and rivers that the Charter covers in order to protect the North End Stream and the iconic Sussex sea trout.