One of East Sussex’s most iconic ‘must visit’ destinations is Beachy Head. People are drawn to the stunning views across East Sussex and the English Channel.
The area has so much to offer. But if you’re not familiar to the area, don’t worry. From April, a team of volunteers called the Beachy Head Ambassador volunteers will be on hand to guide your visitor experience by offering you information on facilities, wildlife, history, walking routes, activities and the local area.
Improving visitor experience
Dressed in their navy and green uniforms, the Beachy Head Ambassador volunteers will answer questions about the area and direct you to points of interest such as Bomber Command (pictured right) and the best place to view the Instagram-worthy red and white-striped Beachy Head Lighthouse.
Between April-October, the volunteers will also be leading activities such as walking groups, yoga, art, history talks and much more. Many of these activities will take place early in the morning, in the evenings or at weekends so people of all ages can join in.
The activities aim to encourage more people to visit the natural environment on their doorstep. It’s also a great way to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of moving more and meeting others within their community.
To keep up to date with the Beachy Head Ambassadors and find out about upcoming activities visit their website. The Ambassadors will also showcase all the amazing things about Beachy Head via their social media pages. You can find their Facebook and Instagram accounts by searching for “Beachy Head Ambassadors”.
Sharing safety advice
During the two-year pilot project, the Ambassadors will be encouraging people to use the area responsibly and safely. For example, sharing reminders about the chalk cliffs crumbling along the route from Beachy Head, as well as water safety tips for visitors that plan to spend some time at local beaches.
Remember, if you’re heading to the coast that cliff falls (where the chalk crumbles away and falls down to the beach below) can happen at any time. Also be aware that you can get cut off by the sea at the base of cliffs. Always check tide times before walking along beaches.
The best way to stay safe is to stay well away from cliff edges and bases.
A volunteer’s story
One of the volunteers, Warwick, shares his experience of volunteering as a Beachy Head Ambassador.
‘I believe that as marvellous as the sights, sounds and ambience of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters are, visitors both local and distant can enhance their experience of the area by learning more of the fascinating history, geology and flora and fauna they are interacting with.
‘We offer insights, advice and assistance on a range of levels that would otherwise be unavailable to visitors. Having had some experience in this area, I felt an Ambassadorship would allow me to help others in this fashion.
‘It’s rewarding to think that by offering advice and information to visitors it will enrich their experience. I hope they will take away a very positive impression of this little corner of Sussex and tell their friends and family and, hopefully, encourage them to visit.
‘A second strand would be the plan to offer local people more ways to experience the ‘Head’ and interact with by taking part in enjoyable and rewarding activities. A challenge is rapidly determining the preferred method people have of receiving information and to ensure they are comfortable with us being there to assist.
‘On a personal level a few hours spent on such a beautiful land getting exercise, clean air and sunshine overlooking the ‘Empress of Watering places’ is a bit of a bonus. I would not claim to have any skills, but I have extensively researched the history of the area and Eastbourne and am keen to share it with whomsoever is open to receiving it.’
Benefits of volunteering
There are limited places for Beachy Head Ambassador volunteers. However, there are many opportunities to volunteer in your local community.
Anna Hoad (pictured right), volunteer manager, Beachy Head Ambassadors, says there are many benefits to volunteering including knowing you have made a difference, learning new skills, making friends, increasing your happiness and much more.
‘With a range of opportunities available there is always something for everyone to suit their interests and fit in with their existing commitments,’ says Anna.
You can read more about volunteering and perhaps make this the year you volunteer in East Sussex on our website.
The council works with Tribe, a digital platform designed to help you find the right volunteer opportunity for you. Find your next volunteer experience by simply searching for roles in your area and add filters to find roles that suit your availability and the type of volunteering you’d like to do.
The Beachy Head Ambassadors are part of a pilot project to promote Beachy Head led by the charity 3VA and funded by East Sussex Public Health.
3VA is the voluntary action charity for Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden Districts. It represents and promotes the voluntary and community sector with local government and other statutory authorities. Find out more about 3VA and the work it does.
