Seaford Town Council has regrettably been forced to close Hope Gap steps due to the extreme cliff erosion at the site, which has left the steps dangerous and unsafe for public use.
A closure of the Hope Gap steps has been in place since August 2023, initially due to the damage (through erosion) to the bottom of the steps.
The Town Council has been working with partner authorities and stakeholders to look at the future of Hope Gap steps, gathering information for a sustainable solution.
This work will continue to take time, due to the sensitive nature of the site, and the need for the Town Council to consider the geological and ecological impact of any repair works as well as seek permission/consent from relevant governing bodies.
As can be seen by the photo below, there has been a significant amount of further cliff erosion, causing a large area of the steps to be undermined. The Town Council has had no choice but to accept that the steps are dangerously unsafe and continue to close the steps to the public.
The Town Council is aware that, at times, members of the public have ignored the danger signs and climbed the barrier to continue to use the steps. As a result, the Town Council will be installing security fencing which will encase the structure, discourage access to the steps and thus improve visitor safety at the site.
Warning signage will be placed as appropriate, including warning visitors approaching Hope Gap from Cuckmere.
Sussex Wildlife Trust – PhotoPosts around our reserves – 3 years on
It’s been around three years since the installation of the fixed-point photo posts on various reserves across Sussex as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations. Since then, hundreds of submissions from visitors sending in their photos via social media or email – all contributing to some great citizen science!
Full details can be found atwwwsussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/photoposts-around-our-reserves-3-years-on
The Nature Reserve is easiest accessed by two points; South Hill Barn in Seaford or from Eastbourne Road (A259) at Exceat Bridge.
Free parking is provided at South Hill Barn, Seaford, the nearest post code is BN25 4JQ. From here is a simply stunning walk down Seaford Head to Cuckmere Valley, overlooking the Seven Sisters Cliffs and river mouth. Alternatively, there is parking available at the Seven Sisters Country Park, A259, BN25 4AD, that does charge a fee. This allows access to the Nature Reserve from the northern end of the river if you cross Exceat Bridge and access the Reserve through the rear of the Cuckmere Inn’s car park.
While there why not pop in to The Viewat Seaford Head for a refreshing drink or bite to eat, sit on the terrace balcony and take in the view.
Miles Without Stiles!
South Downs National Park Authority have been working on creating route maps of trails suitable for people with impaired mobility, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs, please see the leaflet available for download with a route identified on Seaford Head or view the National Park Authority’s website for more information.
Picture: View of the Seven Sisters from the walk down Seaford Head towards Hope Gap and Cuckmere Valley.
We Hear You Now
The South Downs National Park Authority, in partnership with Seaford Town Council, other local authorities and volunteers, has launched the We Hear You Now project which features audio story, new myth and poetry at listening points across the Sussex Heritage Coast. Two of these listening points can be found on Seaford Head, the full leaflet, which includes listening point locations, can be found here – SDNPA We Hear You Now Leaflet
To find out more visit – https://www.sevensisters.org.uk/we-hear-you-now/
*This page was last updated December 2024*
