Huge safety works kick off on Undercliff Walk to tackle unstable cliffs
Rock removal mission begins
Safety crews have rolled in to start urgent rock clearing along the famed Undercliff Walk. Expert contractors, skilled in abseiling, are set to remove loose rocks and debris from the cliffs. The operation kicks off on Monday 13 November and is expected to last around six weeks—weather permitting.
Walk closures and detours planned
To keep the public safe, substantial sections of the Undercliff Walk between Roedean and Rottingdean ramps will shut temporarily. Diversions will be in place, but local amenities like chalets and the Ovingdean Beach Café will stay accessible.
Why this matters: cliff erosion risks
The dramatic measures follow natural cliff erosion worsened by rough weather, including wind and freezing conditions. Earlier this year, big rockfalls in January served as a stark warning about the cliff’s fragility. The hand scaling work not only reduces the risk of dangerous landslides but also helps preserve the cliff’s slope, slowing further erosion.
This follows similar safety works launched in Saltdean last spring, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect both visitors and the coastline.
