The Issues

The Issues

From pollution and flooding to habitat loss and climate change, our rivers face growing pressures. Find out what’s affecting the Adur and Ouse catchment.

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Explore the Catchment

Explore the Catchment

Discover the rivers, streams, landscapes and communities that make up the Adur and Ouse catchment.

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Get Involved

Get Involved

There are lots of ways to help improve our rivers and water environment. Find out how you can get involved.

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What is a catchment?

A catchment is an area of land where water drains into the same river, stream or estuary. The Adur and Ouse catchment stretches from the South Downs to the sea, bringing together rivers, streams, wetlands, farmland, towns and communities. Everything that happens across this landscape can affect our water. How we use the land, manage rainfall and protect habitats all play a part in the health of our rivers.

A healthy catchment means healthier rivers, better places for wildlife and more resilient communities.

Our Areas of Work


Coastal Waters

The estuaries and marine environment provide precious habitats and a range of benefits. Find out more about our aims for the central Sussex Coast.

Natural Flood Management

How we work with nature and natural processes across the catchment to reduce the risk of flooding to local communities in our area.

Groundwater

Find out more about how we are supporting the protection of water in the aquifers of the South Downs, a vital supply of drinking water.

Natural Rivers

This is what we want, natural rivers full of a diverse range of wildlife and able to provide a recreational resource for communities.

Surface Water Quality

Many of our waterways suffer from pollution from a wide range of diffuse and point sources. Find out how we are working to improve this.

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