From late January 2026, the Environment Agency will replace the seaward section of the mitigation pipe that feeds Widewater Lagoon at Lancing, with completion due by the end of March. The upgrade-funded from existing Shoreham–Lancing beach management budgets-is designed to secure the tidal exchange that keeps this rare brackish habitat functioning. ([gov.uk](Link

The pipe allows seawater to enter on high tides, topping up levels and stabilising salinity so fish, invertebrates and birds can persist through dry spells and stormy winters. Routine inspections found the seaward pipe and its timber support frame had deteriorated, prompting a full refurbishment to protect the lagoon’s wildlife value. ([gov.uk](Link

Work will be timed to tidal windows, so some weekend activity is likely, and access to the immediate beach area will be temporarily restricted. The Agency says it will “do everything we can to minimise disruption” while the upgrade is carried out. ([gov.uk](Link

Why it matters: saline lagoons are scarce in the UK-about 360 sites covering roughly 5,200 hectares-and they support highly specialised life; 36 species are strongly associated with lagoons, 25 of them largely confined to this habitat. Coastal lagoons are also listed as Annex I habitat 1150, a priority feature used in designating 20 UK Special Areas of Conservation. ([wwt.org.uk](Link

Widewater is a long, shallow ribbon of brackish water held behind a man‑made shingle bank between the A259 and the Channel. Managed locally by Lancing Parish Council, it is known for herons, swans and egrets, with seasonal waders dropping in through the year-an accessible nature reserve embedded in a busy coastline. ([adur-worthing.gov.uk](Link

The case for action sharpened in summer 2025 when erosion and blockages left the pipe failing, water levels crashed and fish deaths were reported. Community volunteers, the World of Widewater group and newly elected East Worthing & Shoreham MP Tom Rutland pressed for solutions; a temporary clearance followed, but long‑term reliability required a replacement-now scheduled for early 2026. ([sussexexpress.co.uk](Link

Keeping seawater inputs steady is central to lagoon health. Evidence collated by the Marine Life Information Network notes that where inflows are restricted, lagoons can tip into hypersaline conditions, degrading habitat quality. Lagoon specialists such as the starlet sea anemone are typically most abundant where seasonal salinity varies around roughly 16–36 parts per thousand-useful parameters for site managers. ([marlin.ac.uk](Link

Delivery is being co‑ordinated with Tom Rutland MP, the World of Widewater committee, Lancing Parish Council and Adur & Worthing Council. If you’re visiting over the next two months, plan for short diversions around the works area and keep dogs under close control near resting birds to reduce disturbance while contractors are on site. ([gov.uk](Link

Residents can flag issues or ask questions via the Environment Agency’s contact line (03708 506506) or email (SLTSDN.APadur.arun@environment-agency.gov.uk). World of Widewater continues to share community updates and monitoring plans for the lagoon after the upgrade-useful if you want to lend a hand locally. ([gov.uk](Link

Taken together, this is modest engineering with large ecological upside: a reliable tide‑fed pipe gives a vulnerable habitat the water balance it needs through hotter, drier summers and more volatile winters-keeping a much‑loved public space alive for wildlife and people for years to come.