Living sea wall tiles and vertical micro pools will be created in a new project which aims to enhance marine biodiversity and support wildlife.

"State of the art" structures are due to be installed at Southwick beach in a bid to boost the number and diversity of species there. 

One example of a successful similar project is at Falmouth Harbour in Cornwall, where they were installed in October 2023.

Harbour walls are typically flat, making it difficult for animals to attach to and live within. However, these installations provide room for plants and animals to live and grow.

Intertidal cubes at Falmouth HarbourIntertidal cubes at Falmouth Harbour (Image: Falmouth Harbour Commissioners)

The tiles and reef cubes are designed to withstand tidal forces. The cubes feature a central chamber which provides shelter for marine life, as well as a rockpool on top. 

At Falmouth the sea wall has seen an increase in seaweed following the installation of the tiles. Small shore crabs have also been spotted sheltering in the crevices, with periwinkles, limpets and sea slaters also attracted to them. 

The reef in Southwick will be accessible to the public at low tide, allowing people to observe marine species and the ecological restoration.

A biodiversity survey of the harbour wall and surrounding foreshore is also due to be conducted to establish baseline figures for future studies. 

Southwick Reef is set to be launched next summer by Shoreham Port alongside Adur and Worthing councils, Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Bay, Sussex Dolphin Project and the University of Brighton.

Living wall tiles at Falmouth HarbourLiving wall tiles at Falmouth Harbour (Image: Falmouth Harbour Commissioners)

The project is being funded through the Shoreham Harbour Regeneration Board.

Tom Willis, chief executive at Shoreham Port, said: “We are thrilled to have brought together such an inspiring group of local organisations to embark on this collaborative project.

“Southwick Reef underscores the organisations’ shared ambition to enhance the marine environment while fostering greater public engagement in conservation and sustainability.

“We hope that over time Southwick Reef provides a further reason for people to visit the area, enabling everyone to experience first-hand the transformative potential of marine rewilding.”