King Charles opens coastal path and nature reserve in East Sussex

King Charles III has officially inaugurated a major stretch of England’s coastal walking route while also opening a new national nature reserve in East Sussex, marking a significant step in efforts to protect the country’s natural landscapes.

The monarch visited the Seven Sisters area, where he unveiled the newly designated Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve and formally opened part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, a route named in his honour.

The event represents a key milestone in a broader initiative launched following the King’s Coronation, which aims to establish or expand 25 National Nature Reserves across England by 2027.

Seven Sisters becomes the 13th site to be declared within what is known as the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves.

During his visit, the King attended a reception at the Salt Marsh Café, hosted by the South Downs National Park Authority.

The gathering brought together members of the local community, charitable organisations and partner groups involved in creating the reserve.

The Seven Sisters reserve is widely recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s most valued protected landscapes.

Spanning around 1,500 hectares, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding both wildlife habitats and vital drinking water supplies.

It is described as the country’s first groundwater-inspired reserve, with its chalk aquifer supporting rare species, including the short-snouted seahorse.

Following the reception, the King joined Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, to walk approximately two kilometres of the newly established coastal path.

The King Charles III England Coast Path is set to become the longest continuous managed coastal walking route in the world, stretching 2,700 miles when complete.

Along the route, the King met individuals and organisations who contributed to the development of the reserve and the coastal pathway.

He later unveiled commemorative plaques to officially mark both the opening of the reserve and the inauguration of the path.

The projects are closely linked to the King’s long-standing interest in environmental conservation.

Throughout his public life, he has advocated for the protection of natural habitats and greater public access to green spaces.

The coastal path and the network of nature reserves are intended to reflect those priorities by preserving biodiversity while allowing people to engage more directly with the natural environment.

Officials involved in the initiative say the developments represent a long-term commitment to balancing conservation with accessibility.

By expanding protected areas and improving coastal access, the programme aims to ensure that both wildlife and communities can benefit from England’s landscapes for generations to come.

The opening of the Seven Sisters reserve and the progress on the coastal path underline the continuing efforts to strengthen environmental protections while promoting sustainable public use of the countryside.