Birling Gap water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Birling Gap in Wealden.

Birling Gap is a small remote bay east of Beachy Head in East Sussex. The beach is approximately 300 metres (m) wide with a gentle slope. It is situated right below the backdrop of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. The beach is predominantly shingle, but shallow sandflats and rocks from the chalk cliff become exposed with the receding tide.

Available sample history
1998 to 2026
Samples
483
Latest official classification
Excellent (2025)

Explore charts and download data · How this analysis works

Interactive charts are loading. The classification history is available below.

Annual classification history

Official assessments and historical estimates are labelled separately. Missing years are not filled in.

Available annual results, newest first
YearClassificationAssessment source
2025ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2021ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2019ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009ExcellentHistorical estimate
2008ExcellentHistorical estimate
2007ExcellentHistorical estimate
2006ExcellentHistorical estimate
2005ExcellentHistorical estimate
2004GoodHistorical estimate
2003GoodHistorical estimate
2002GoodHistorical estimate
2001GoodHistorical estimate
2000GoodHistorical estimate
1999GoodHistorical estimate
1998GoodHistorical estimate

Source: Environment Agency / Swimfo. Data retrieved 16 October 2026. Historical trends do not describe conditions today; check Swimfo and local notices for current advice.

Nearby bathing waters