The project, Enhancing Places, Inspiring Communities (EPIC), has been awarded a £871,400 HLF grant to uncover a 1kilometre section of the stream, most of which has not been visible since the Second World War, and to create a flourishing area for wildlife.

Preserving nature

EPIC is led by Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust (OART) in partnership with landowner Sompting Estate Trust. Located in between Lancing and Worthing, the project will improve the natural habitat by introducing two ponds, 1,000 trees and 2.5km of hedgerow, increasing biodiversity in the area and improving the cleanliness of the water. New trails will be created to make Broadwater Brook accessible to people living nearby for the first time.

Getting involved

The project will also include a wide range of public events to involve people with the project while raising awareness of water conservation, pollution and urban wildlife. These activities will involve practical conservation, photography, heritage investigations and educational programmes based on water quality and ecological surveying. Skill development workshops will help train volunteers in the maintenance and management of the site into the future.

[quote=Peter King, Project Manager at OART]“This which will make a real difference, not only to the local environment but also to the residents of the surrounding area.”[/quote]

Peter King, Project Manager at OART, said: "We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to deliver this project which will make a real difference, not only to the local environment but also to the residents of the surrounding area."

"We are very grateful for the support from HLF and the local community which we have received through developing our ideas and are now looking forward to turning the concept into a reality."

EPIC is expected to run until September 2021.