Our open letter requesting a rethink on current works
Director of Tourism and Place
Eastbourne Borough Council
6 February 2026
Dear ████████,
Alterations to Heritage Rockery Beds on Eastbourne Seafront
I am writing this open letter to request that work to replace any of the heritage sloped rockery beds—with their long‑established bedding plants and distinctive character—with shingle escarpments and expanses along the Meads seafront be reconsidered.
The recently approved Eastbourne Seafront Strategy 2050 places strong emphasis on Heritage, Tourism, and Culture as three of its five core themes. It commits to creating a seafront that is “vibrant, safe, inclusive and sustainable,” while also reflecting the “values and aspirations of the community” and protecting the unique identity that residents and visitors cherish.
The planted rockery beds are a defining feature of Eastbourne’s visual identity, especially as it exists west of the Pier. They contribute to:
- Heritage character – These landscaped beds have been part of the seafront’s aesthetic for generations and are widely recognised as part of Eastbourne’s traditional charm.
- Tourism appeal – Visitors consistently cite the floral displays as part of what makes Eastbourne distinctive compared with other South Coast resorts.
- Community wellbeing – Residents value these green, colourful spaces as uplifting, accessible public assets that enhance daily life.
- Biodiversity – Bedding plants and structured planting support pollinators and create a more ecologically varied environment than expanses of sterile shingle between odd planting.
By contrast, replacing these features as planned risks creating a landscape that is visually stark, environmentally poorer, and out of step with what both residents and tourists expect from Eastbourne. Such a change appears inconsistent with the Strategy’s stated aim to
enhance public spaces, strengthen heritage identity, and support Eastbourne’s
ambition to remain a year‑round destination.
Additionally, we understand that these beds are no longer to be maintained by volunteers from The Friends of Eastbourne Seafront but by the Grounds Maintenance contractor. Given the important and clearly visible work of volunteers in maintaining gardens in many areas of the town, reducing EBC’s ground maintenance costs, the fact that they were not included in discussions is not only a rebuff but also a disincentive to volunteers to take on new projects.
I would therefore urge the Council to:
- Reconsider any ongoing work, plans, or proposals that diminish the character of the heritage rockery beds.
- Provide clarity on how such changes align with the Strategy’s heritage and tourism commitments.
- Engage openly with residents, local groups (MCA, FOES, FMPG, etc), and horticultural experts before any further alterations are made.
- Explore alternative approaches that preserve the planted beds while still meeting maintenance needs.
- Recognise the value of volunteers in maintaining the town’s public spaces.
Eastbourne’s seafront is central to the town’s identity—“part of our DNA,” as the Strategy itself notes. Any move that erodes its historic character would be a step away from the very principles the Strategy sets out to uphold.
At a time when Eastbourne aspires to be Town of Culture 2028, surely this much loved part of the town’s heritage character should be protected, reflecting the community’s expectations and the Strategy’s commitments.
Kind regards,
Mitch Peacock
Chair, Meads Community Association