Ancient port timbers given new life in community project

Ancient oak timbers recovered during the construction of Newhaven Port’s new Fishing Stage 21 have been given a new lease of life as part of a unique community project celebrating the town’s rich maritime heritage.

The historic oak beams, which had spent decades beneath the river bed, were removed as part of the replacement and installation of the new fishing stage. Rather than seeing the timbers go to waste, Newhaven Port identified an opportunity to preserve a piece of the town’s history while inspiring the next generation.

In November 2025, pupils from Harbour Primary School were invited to the Port to see the impressive timbers on the quayside and learn about their significance. The children were then challenged to design a memorial that would celebrate Newhaven’s fishing heritage, honour the local fishing community and mark the construction of the new Fishing Stage 21.

The competition produced a fantastic range of creative designs, with one winning concept selected to be brought to life.

The reclaimed oak timbers, together with the winning design, were then taken to HMP Lewes, where skilled learners in the prison’s carpentry workshops crafted the memorial into a beautiful “Buddy Bench”. The project not only recycled valuable heritage materials but also supported vocational training and skills development.

As the winning design was created by Harbour Primary School pupils, it was fitting that the completed bench found its permanent home at the school, where it can be enjoyed by generations of children.

On 1 June, Newhaven Port’s Safety, Health, Environment & Operations Manager, Gary Milan, officially unveiled the Buddy Bench alongside the Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Mark Wardle. During the ceremony, the winning pupil designer was presented with a prize in recognition of their outstanding contribution.

Gary Milan said:

“This project perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together as a community. By transforming these historic timbers into something meaningful, we’ve been able to preserve a piece of Newhaven’s maritime heritage, support education and skills, and inspire young people to think creatively about sustainability. We’re incredibly proud that this bench will serve as a lasting reminder of our fishing heritage while encouraging future generations to value recycling, innovation and their local community.”

The project reflects Newhaven Port’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, community engagement and preserving the town’s unique heritage, ensuring that materials from one chapter of the Port’s history continue to benefit the community for many years to come.