Last week, members of the A22 project team came together to deliver a meaningful Social Value initiative along the much loved Cuckoo Trail in East Sussex.
Last week, we came together to deliver a meaningful Social Value initiative along the much‑loved Cuckoo Trail in East Sussex. Supported by colleagues from Jacobs, we organised a large‑scale litter clean‑up event designed to give back to local communities while raising awareness of the upcoming A22 MRN Project.
The Cuckoo Trail—an 11-mile (17.5 km) stretch of scenic, traffic‑free pathway used daily by walkers, cyclists, families, and commuters—forms an important part of the wider A22 scheme. The project aims to improve traffic flow along the A22 corridor, unlocking future development opportunities while introducing major Active Travel upgrades. These enhancements will create safer, better-connected routes and will link into the Cuckoo Trail at several key locations, offering long-term benefits for both residents and visitors.
Recognising the trail’s importance to local people, we committed time and energy to supporting its upkeep. We split into two groups and covered the full length of the trail, equipped with litter pickers, gloves, and collection bags. Throughout the day, we engaged with members of the public, many of whom expressed appreciation for the effort being made to keep this valued community asset clean and safe.
By the end of the clean-up, our volunteers had successfully gathered more than 10 bags of litter and general waste, removing harmful materials and improving the overall look and feel of the trail. The initiative not only helped protect wildlife and enhance the local environment, but also demonstrated the ESH's commitment to delivering meaningful social value beyond construction works.
We reported a positive response from residents, cyclists, and dog walkers who stopped to learn more about the forthcoming improvements to the A22 corridor. These conversations helped raise awareness of the scheme and highlight the broader benefits the project will bring once complete, especially for active travel users.
We hope to organise similar activities in the future, continuing to build strong relationships with community members and champion environmental responsibility along key routes in East Sussex.