A vital piece of infrastructure that helps keep one of West Sussex’s most important wildlife habitats alive is set to be restored early next year.
The Environment Agency has confirmed it will carry out essential refurbishment works on the mitigation pipe at Widewater Lagoon, near Lancing, starting in late January 2026. The lagoon is a designated Local Wildlife Site and supports a rich mix of plant and animal life.
The mitigation pipe is key to the lagoon’s health. It allows seawater to flow into the lagoon during high tides, helping to maintain carefully balanced water levels that wildlife depends on. Recent routine inspections revealed that the seaward section of the pipe, along with its supporting timber frame, now needs to be replaced.
Work is scheduled to run from late January until the end of March 2026. Funding will come from the existing beach management budget for the Shoreham and Lancing frontage.
Andy Manville of the Environment Agency said: “Widewater Lagoon is a treasured local wildlife site, home to a rich variety of species that depend on carefully balanced water levels to thrive.
This essential work will ensure the lagoon continues to flourish as a haven for wildlife and a much-loved destination for visitors for years to come.
We’re grateful for the support of local partners and the community, and we’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption during the works”.
The Environment Agency has worked closely with Tom Rutland MP, the World of Widewater (WoW) committee, Lancing Parish Council, and Adur & Worthing Council while planning the scheme.
Residents and visitors are being advised that access to the beach near the works area will be temporarily restricted while construction is under way. Some weekend working may also be required, depending on tide times and weather conditions.
The Environment Agency has thanked the local community for its patience and apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused, stressing that the short-term disruption will help protect the lagoon’s wildlife for the long term. Photo by Houses beside Widewater Lagoon by Paul Gillett, Wikimedia commons.