Did you know that the city of Brighton and Hove, along with the surrounding coastline and South Downs are part of a UNESCO site? As a designated urban biosphere reserve, The Living Coast stretches between Newhaven and Shoreham-by-Sea in Sussex. Being located in the heart of such a stunning natural biosphere reserve, Brighton i360 Viewing Tower is uniquely placed as the highest spot to admire the Living Coast from above.
At the start of the summer, Brighton i360 were lucky enough to host key members of UNESCO, along with delegates from Brighton council onboard the i360 pod. Whilst admiring the birds-eye view of the biosphere, discussions took place concerning Brighton’s place within the Living Coast and Brighton i360’s commitment to sustainability. As a green tourist attraction, Brighton i360 recognises the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring the continuation of the local area as a coveted UNESCO site. The local biosphere provides a rich assortment of products, including our Sky Bar sponsors, Nyetimber’s wine. This award winning English sparkling wine benefits from the diverse soil types found in the South Downs. Sample a range of their delicious wines whilst overlooking the rolling, green hills of the downs, whilst onboard the Brighton i360 pod.
The UK is in fact home to 58 UNESCO sites, made up of world heritage sites, creative cities, global geoparks and biosphere reserves. To celebrate the diverse sites within the UK a beautifully designed map crafted by the talented Birmingham-based creative cartographer, Tom Woolley has been released. The map is designed to delight and inspire travellers to visit the different UNESCO sites across the UK.
Studying the map, you can clearly understand Brighton & Hove, and surrounding area’s place within the wider UNESCO community. So, next time you take a journey to 450ft on the Brighton i360 Viewing pod, find a new appreciation of the coastline that sprawls out beneath you, the majestic south downs and diverse city beneath as part of the natural beauty and resource the biosphere provides.