Sussex Underwater
A window beneath
the waves
We're a group of local divers and storytellers helping Sussex fall back in love with its own sea — through talks, guided sessions, and funded school visits.
Our Story
Why we're doing this
Sussex Underwater began with one diver's eye-witness account of a seabed being destroyed — and his determination to do something about it.
Our co-founder Eric Smith, a local diver in his seventies, watched destructive trawling strip the life from Sussex waters. His campaign to get trawlers banned along the coast was featured in the BBC documentary Our Sea Forest, and proved what one person's persistence can achieve.
Today, alongside partners including the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, we document the sea's recovery since the ban — and share it with as many people as possible, so the ocean is never out of sight, out of mind again.
Read our full story →
How We Help
Four ways to get involved
Book a Talk
Invite us to speak at your school, club or event.
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School Talks
Sussex Coast Explorers — funded sessions for local schools.
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Where to Find Us
See our upcoming events and regular spots along the coast.
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Support Us
Donate, volunteer or partner with us to protect the coast.
Find out more →"Just give nature a bit of space and it will come back"
Eric Smith; Our Sea Forest