A stretch of land will be returned to nature when sea defences are removed.

Environment Agency workers are hoping beauty spot Cuckmere Haven will attract back wildlife and reduce pressure on the Cuckmere River further up the coast.

A spokeswoman for the agency said the sea defences were past their useful life and the decision had been taken after consultation with wildlife groups and English Nature.

She said: "The plan is to turn the area back to nature, the way it was before man intervened."

The land will be allowed to flood naturally with rainfall and the sea.

Although existing paths would be lost, the agency is planning to install a series of new footpaths.

Alan Edgar, general manager of nearby Golden Galleon pub, said the flooding had positive and negative aspects for his trade.

He said: "There are various aspects to it. The Environment Agency has taken the decision not to spend money protecting the shoreline and it looks as if the flooding is a foregone conclusion.

"There will be very interesting flora and fauna here . It will be a more interesting place."

Mr Edgar said the flooding of the western part of the valley could mean the loss of historical footpaths.

He said: "It should be wheelchair friendly and I would be more than willing to lead that campaign."

Sea defence removal work is planned to start in the next 12 months.