South Downs

The South Downs stretches eastwards for more than 90 miles from Winchester in Hampshire, across Sussex, to the spectacular white cliffs of Beachy Head. It contains some of the best-known and admired hill country in the United Kingdom. The rolling chalk downland contrasts with the countryside of the Weald, a more enclosed landscape of woodland and farmland which is rich in history. Together these two complementary landscapes form the majority of what will be the South Downs National Park.

 

Why the South Downs should be designated a National Park?

The South Downs provides a “green lung” for the region and yet its cherished qualities and environment are under threat like never before in developed South East. Although the area is currently protected as two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park status will bring added protection for a multitude of reasons.

 

This is a map of the proposed park boundaries in Hampshire in 2002

To view the proposed boundary of the South Downs National Park in more detail, including the Central and East sections, please go to the Natural England website.

 

This is a map of the revised park boundaries in Hampshire in 2007

A report has been prepared in which a number of recommendations have been made. These include areas that should fall within, or be excluded from, the proposed National Park.

 

To view the revised proposed boundary of the South Downs National Park in more detail, including the Central and East sections, please go to the Natural England website.

 

Natural England brings together English Nature, The Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service.

 

South Downs Society

The South Downs Society (formerly the Society of Sussex Downsmen) has been protecting the Downs since 1923. Their prime concern is the protection of the unique landscape of the South Downs, and membership is open to all. The organisation is completely independent, without any political affiliation or grants supported solely by membership subscriptions, legacies and donations.

 

South Downs Campaign

The South Downs Campaign (SDC) was set up over 10 years ago to protect the South Downs. It has gone from strength to strength and now has over 100 affiliated organisations at national, regional and local level. It has campaigned tirelessly for the creation of the South Downs National Park and played a very large part in presenting evidence to the public inquiry.

A number of Sussex and Hampshire RA Groups are affiliated to the SDC, but we would welcome more. To become an affiliated group, or to get more information on the SDC, please contact the Campaign Officer, Chris Todd, on 01273 563358, or e-mail him at southdowns@zoom.co.uk.

 

Natural England

South Downs Society

South Downs Campaign