Bexhill beach garden improves access for disabled residents

Bexhill beach garden is the brainchild of former mayor Lynn Langlands, who noticed that many people were using the promenade and beach for exercise and to improve wellbeing.

She said: “I realised that this was something to promote going forwards, and as we have a town where a number of our residents have mobility issues, my thoughts were to build a garden on the beach.

“It was also an opportunity to recognize the wonderful aspects of nature that are found on our beach and make a small statement for preserving this special environment we have on our doorstep.”

The garden is designed to improve access to the beach for people with mobility issues (Image: JTP53 Photography) The project, organised by environment charity Community Supporters and Bexhill Environment Group, is designed to increase biodiversity, slow coastal erosion and improve accessibility to the beach. 

On Saturday November 9 a soft opening of the beach garden was held to mark the completion of the structure including a ramp, boardwalks and 'lily pad' style decking areas.

By popular demand the charity chose to open the access to the beach, prior to the full completion of the project. A more formal opening is planned for next Spring once planting is completed and educational boards and seating is installed.

Bexhill beach garden will be fully completed next year (Image: JTP53 Photography) The plants are designed to be a natural barrier to erosion as their roots help to secure loose shingle and protect it from being washed away.

Lynn said: “Saturday was a really moving and exceptional day. It was attended by a number of local dignitaries, just because they wanted to be a part of something that was going to add to the value of the town of Bexhill.

“This is a fully accessible garden, and a real community space. All our residents and visitors that have mobility issues can now access the beach, and dally a while on the large decking areas. It can also be a space for yoga groups, hula hoopers, day centres, care homes, charities, beach schools and families, to use and enjoy.

“There were a number of people who came on Saturday who were in wheelchairs, and it was great to see their faces as they went down the ramp."

Little Evan enjoyed walking on the beach with his walker (Image: JTP53 Photography) Colin Dearmer, who cut the ribbon, has lived in Bexhill for 18 years and over the years has watched his family enjoying the beach, whilst he stayed on the promenade. He was able to finally go down to the beach for the first. A little boy also had “great fun” travelling around the garden with his walker.

Lynn said: “I have discovered that people with mobility issues don't just want to get on the beach and travel along it, they want to stop, have a picnic and enjoy this great experience of being close to the sea. This garden enables them to do just that.”