Lost Sussex sea forest is on the road to recovery

An underwater forest which was believed to have been destroyed by trawling is recovering slowly, according to a veteran diver.

Eric Smith, 73, has been regularly diving off the Sussex coast since 1959.

Following a 2021 ruling to protect a large area of the seabed there, Mr Smith says he has noticed a return of marine life such as stingrays, angel sharks and seahorses.

He said: "Just give nature a bit of space and it will come back."

Our Lives: Our Sea Forest on BBC One on 8 September at 19:30 BST and on iPlayer.