About The Aquifer Project
From the River Adur in the west, the River Ouse to the east, and up to the edge of the Downs, the land is shaped by a tremendous block of chalk. This chalk holds water like a sponge in an aquifer. This is the water that makes the journey to your home, ready at the turn of a tap to quench a thirst, cook a meal, wash a muddy kit or fill a paddling pool. It’s a vital natural resource.
But like so many others, this natural resource is under threat. Pollution is a problem, not just here, but for aquifers, rivers, lakes and oceans the world over. A growing population increases the pressure on our shared water. TAP is bringing people together to protect our aquifer and is now hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere
In the towns we’re making rainscapes to catch pollution and hold back floodwaters. We’re showing where that drain leads so we can make sure we keep waste out of the system – no dumping please!
We can’t protect what we do not know, so we also champion the aquifer, promoting knowledge and understanding whenever and wherever we can.
Our Goals
Water Quality and Quantity
Being dedicated to preserving the aquifer isn’t enough; our goals are to improve the water quality and quantity that sinks into the ground. We do this using evidence-based solutions, which means data and scientific communities back them.
Increasing Biodiversity
Changing an underused space into one that positively impacts the aquifer also means it benefits the nature. We focus on using plants and designs that regenerate a space for nature.
Creating Community
It’s not enough to build sustainable solutions; we need to create and sustain beautiful places for people too. Each of our projects involves the community around it, from educational talks about the aquifer to using community feedback to develop designs that serve them better.
Farmers
We work with farmers, trialing the best way to grow crops and raise animals with our water in mind. We team up with greenkeepers and horse owners to decide how to keep conditions just right and the impact light.
Schools
Schools are joining us to manage water better for the future, bringing students on a journey of discovery along the way.
Trail blazers
We work with our partner organisations to educate and support leaders. Here we work on in implementing sustainable, nature-based solutions into wider community projects, but also on the small scale too with rain garden planters.
Our Projects
Wild Park
Wild Park Rainscape is our flagship project, creating a stunning park that cleans the water going into the aquifer. Breaking ground in Summer 2024.
Rainscapes for Schools
Rainscapes are inspiring play areas that support the aquifer and provide educational opportunities.
Rain Garden Campign
Our community project, focusing on creating rain gardens for everyone. Learn how you can build a rain garden and support a greener and bluer community
We work in partnership
Hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, The Aquifer Project (TAP) aims at working collaboratively with key local players and communities to protect our groundwater and regenerate biodiversity. Since 2016, together with Brighton & Hove City Council, Southern Water, the Environment Agency and the South Downs National Park Authority, this wide-reaching programme works with residents, farmers, landowners, and schools across the Brighton and Lewes area.
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