A bid to protect hundreds of kilometres of Sussex countryside has been launched.

Conservationists, politicians and campaigners joined up to kick-start the Brighton and Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere Partnership.

The group wants to get the area between the River Adur and the River Ouse designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

This would see the 340km site, which includes parts of the South Downs National Park and the sea, internationally recognised for its “unique environment which brings together conservation and sustainable socio-economic development”.

Over the next few months, a roadshow will be travelling around the Brighton, Adur and Lewes areas, giving people information and asking for their views. For more details visit www.biospherehere.org.uk.

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