Artwork celebrates project to restore kelp off Sussex coast

An art installation celebrating a environmental initiative off the Sussex coast has been installed at a West Sussex church.

The artwork, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, on Shoreham Beach, marks the season of ‘Creationtide’, celebrated by the Church of

England between September 1 and October 4.

Artistic volunteers have decorated the Shoreham Beach church with images of marine creatures, highlighting the importance of the marine rewilding initiative – the Sussex Kelp Restoration Project.

The Rev Jess Aidley, Judy Short and Hilary Jolly all worked together to coordinate the initiative and decorated the walls of the Kings’ Walk church with images of kelp and marine creatures that inhabit these underwater forests.

The displays were made by the craft group, plus children and visitors to the church. There are sheets with pictures of the animalsforfamiliestousetohunt for them among the kelp.

Associate Vicar, the Rev Jane Bartlett, said: “It is especially important for us to mark the Season of Creation this year as weapproachtheUnitedNations’ Climate Church Conference taking place in Glasgow in November. Our church displays hang as a sign of hope that we can live more lightly on earth and respect it as a home for all. My sincere thanks to everyone involvedwhohelpedtomakethis possible.”

Until the 1980s, there were extensive kelp forests along the Sussex coastline but these have been much reduced by fishing. Kelp is crucial for the marine ecosystem. It also helps provide coastal protection against wave surges and is a carbon sponge.