SOUTHDOWNS VIEW SPRING/SUMMER 2020 - Thankful for our farmers - South Downs National Park Authority
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FREE
SOUTHDOWNS
VIEW SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Thankful 10
for our wildlife
farmers success
stories
PAGE 14
PAGE 10
W hing
clo
IN a
t
Co nd
lum m
bia ore!
CONTENTS THE FIRST 10 YEARS HOW HAVE WE DONE............................4
SPRING/SUMMER 2020
BECOME A NATIONAL PARK CUSTODIAN.............................6
PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020–2025................. 7
YOUR NATIONAL PARK................................................................. 8
PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS 2019/20............................9
10 WILDLIFE SUCCESS STORIES................................................ 10
The South
WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU........................ 12 Downs Centre
THANKFUL FOR OUR FARMERS................................................ 14 Midhurst, West Sussex,
GU29 9DH
HOUNDS ON THE DOWNS/BECOME A DOG
AMBASSADOR.................................................................................15 01730 814810
Home of the National Park Authority,
THE AQUIFER PARTNERSHIP...................................................... 16 a community hub, visitor information
centre and exhibition about the
TREE-MENDOUS!/CALLING ALL HORSE RIDERS..................17
National Park.
DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS 2019............................................ 18
Opening Hours
A 300TH BIRTHDAY....................................................................... 19
Following government guidance the
This magazine is printed on 100% FSC® recycled paper. This
FSC® paper is sourced from FSC® certified mills and is from South Downs Centre is currently
sustainable sources.
closed to visitors. Please keep an eye
Please
recycle me on our website for details of when it is
after use
reopened southdowns.gov.uk
Front cover photograph; Hare © Andrew Huttly
INFORMATION POINTS
in cu e us in
Aldershot Visitor Information Horsham Visitor Information
ar leas fin
fo rr e fo
p to
e
rm en th rm
To tion y c we tion
Centre Centre
ur c los bs .
a tl e a
is en ed ite
visit-hampshire.co.uk visithorsham.co.uk
t tr s s
Arundel Visitor Information Point Lewes Tourist Information Centre
d
arundel.org.uk visitlewes.co.uk
es o
Bognor Regis Visitor Information Littlehampton Tourist Information
Point Centre
sussexbythesea.com sussexbythesea.com
Brighton Tourist Information Petersfield Town Visitor Centre
Point visitpetersfield.com
visitbrighton.com Seaford Tourist Information
Burgess Hill Tourist Information Centre
Centre seafordtown.co.uk
burgesshill.gov.uk/leisuretourism Worthing Visitor Information
Chichester Tourist Information Centre
Centre discoverworthing.uk
visitchichester.org Winchester City Mill and Shop
Eastbourne Tourist Information visitwinchester.co.uk/winchester-
Centre city-mill-shop Keep up to date with all South
visiteastbourne.com Winchester Tourist Information Downs news by signing up to our
Haslemere Visitor Information Centre monthly newsletter – southdowns.
Centre gov.uk/join-the-newsletter
visitwinchester.co.uk
haslemere.com/vic
2 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.
This year is very special for the South
Downs National Park. It was 10 years ago
that a vision became a reality.
After years of passionate campaigning, England’s newest
National Park was born, designating 1600km2 of special
landscape with its breathtaking views, unique heritage and communities and our wildlife by sticking to the path, keeping
hidden gems for the benefit of the nation. dogs on the lead around livestock, taking your litter home and
The designation was only possible because of the spirited avoid disturbing ground nesting birds and other wildlife”.
and tireless work of campaigners, who strove to give the South We had lots of events planned to celebrate our 10th
Downs the recognition and protection it deserved since being anniversary but due to the current situation a lot of these are
identified as one of 12 potential National Parks all the way back postponed or cancelled. We hope to extend our anniversary
in 1947. celebrations into 2021 so keep an eye on our website for the
The National Park’s special qualities are as important today most up-to-date information.
as they were then and, indeed, a decade ago. This celebration Over the first few pages of this South Downs View you’ll
edition of South Downs View brings you a taster of top find an infographic outlining some of the many achievements
achievements from the last ten years, from designation of the the Authority and our partners have made in the first decade
South Downs Dark Sky Reserve to otter population increases. since we became a National Park. We then look forward
Although this is a special year for the South Downs, globally to our ambitious plans with our partners for the next five
it is also proving to be a challenging one with the COVID-19 years with our new Partnership Management Plan. You
virus sweeping the world. As you will know things are changing can read the full document online at southdowns.gov.uk/
rapidly. Please make sure you always follow up-to-date PartnershipManagementPlan.
Government guidance when getting outside. You can find While we’re all responsibly staying closer to home, why not
the latest information on accessing the National Park and on plan for a time when we can have new adventures. Check out
the running of the Authority during this difficult period on our pages 10 and 11 for a map of the National Park with some
website southdowns.gov.uk/national-park-authority/our- attractions and nature spots to get you inspired for a post-
work/coronavirus-covid-19-update/ COVID adventure.
A word from our Chief Executive Trevor Beattie You can keep up to date with all the news of the South
“We understand this remains a very testing time for people Downs National Park by signing up to our newsletter at
and many will want to access the National Park for all its health southdowns.gov.uk/join-the-newsletter. #StaySafe
and wellbeing benefits. Our absolute priority remains the safety
of our visitors as well as the 117,000 people living and working
within the National Park. If you are visiting the National Park,
please follow the Government guidelines to keep yourself safe
by continuing strict social distancing and avoiding hotspots
or popular locations. Please also remember that our farmers Rebecca Saunders
are working hard to maintain food supplies. Support them, our Editor
WIN
Family ip WIN
ia
rsh
Membe ussex Columb and
ck
to the S logical Rucksa Combo
Archaeoiety Beanie
Soc We’ve teamed up
with UK National Parks
kit provider, Columbia
© SDNPA
Sportswear, to offer South
Downs View readers the chance to win a 25 Litre
We’re offering one lucky reader a 12 month family rolltop daypack and beanie combo. Simply sign up to
membership to the Sussex Archaeological Society. our e-newsletter during May or June to be entered into the
Benefits include unlimited visits to their six historic sites draw – southdowns.gov.uk/join-the-newsletter.
and museums including Lewes Castle & Museum, Anne of
Cleves House Museum and Fishbourne Roman Palace &
Gardens, as well as subscriptions to top historic publications,
access to a programme of historical events and lots more.
To enter simply email competition@southdowns.gov.
uk putting ‘Sussex Past Comp’ in the subject box and your
name and contact details in the email. The closing date is
June 30th when a winner will be picked at random. Good
luck!
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 3
THE FIRST 10 YEARS, 2. WORKING WITH FARMERS
HOW HAVE WE DONE? AND OTHER CUSTODIANS
The Authority is working with our farmers to contribute to the
development of the Government’s new agri-environment,
1. NATURE RECOVERY ON A LANDSCAPE SCALE Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), to ensure
that quality food production can sit alongside sustainable
The National Park Authority is providing strategic leadership on nature recovery at a landscape scale, working with our land management that supports the work to combat climate
partners to provide rich connected habitats for wildlife, and diverse, living landscapes for people. Our landscape scale work change and reverse biodiversity decline.
has delivered nature recovery across many of our key habitats and also led to local successes for rare and endangered wildlife: We are currently running two tests as part of the ELMS test
and trials process:
HEATHLANDS RESTORATION WOODLAND RESTORATION
11
PARTNERS
in the Heathlands
Reunited project
1,200 67% WOODLAND
120
FARMS IN...
6
working to restore...
12
in the National Park
FOOTBALL now under active
management
SPECIES PITCHES
...worth of heathland will be
of native British amphibian
and reptile species in the
improved and expanded
over the five year project
FARM CLUSTERS
project area
COVERING 2/3RDS OF
RIVER RESTORATION CHALK GRASSLAND RESTORATION THE NATIONAL PARK
35 4% ENGAGED
5
WITH
Sites along the river Meon
where water voles are found
The Meon Valley Partnership is working
of the National Park is chalk
grassland
40 different kinds of plants per square metre.
125
together to successfully restore the nationally
important chalk river, the Meon.
In 2012 the Duke of Burgundy butterfly land managers
to manage our
WHOLE ESTATE PLANS
recovered from the brink of extinction
Breeding otters spotted back on the River chalk grassland endorsed by the National Park Authority.
Wart-biter bush cricket reintroduced into new
Meon chalk grassland habitat in East Sussex
3. INTERNATIONAL 4. IMPROVE ACCESS 5. DISCOVERING AND
DARK SKY RESERVE National Parks are created for everyone and we have SHARING OUR CULTURAL
In May 2016 the South Downs National Park
worked hard to make the South Downs more
accessible.
HERITAGE
became the world’s newest International Dark Sky
The South Downs is rich in cultural heritage, telling a tale of
Reserve (IDSR).
URBAN AREAS settlement for thousands of years. It is a landscape that has
ONE OF... inspired some of our greatest artists, writers and composers.
16 12,000 Secrets of the High Woods
Beneath the ancient woods of West Sussex lies a landscape
littered with traces of the people who have lived and
worked on the South Downs.
people engaged with around the
2,298
National Park, since 2013
INTERNATIONAL
DARK SKY
RESERVES
48km
...new or resurfaced...
sites discovered in the 2014,
Secrets of the High Woods project
USING
LiDAR DATA
During our Dark Skies Festival, at CYCLE & MULTI-
schools and other events we have
USER PATHS
75%
engaged with over
15,000 CENTURION WAY
NOT PREVIOUSLY
PEOPLE 160,000 RECORDED
RACTON MAN
20
people have used it since it
PARTNERS was extended and re-opened in
December 2015 Discovered in 1989, Racton Man was a
5
crouched burial found with an
associated bronze dagger. In 2014, the
MILES National Park contributed reassessment
WITHOUT funding using the latest techniques.
Research theorised that he died in
STILES combat, aged 45 yrs around
2300BC–2150BC. The evidence for
routes created, suitable combat is rare as a clear cause of death
for people with limited in prehistoric archaeology. The research
mobility enabled The Novium Museum’s Racton
Man exhibition to tell his story.
4 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.
6. YOUNG PEOPLE 7. CHAMPIONING THE NATIONAL
PARK
We want as many young people as possible to be able to visit and learn outdoors in the South The Authority has developed a place brand (shared identity) for the National Park
Downs and we are working with partners across the National Park to make this happen: for use by partners, communities and businesses, and have extended our outreach
by the use of digital channels
21,177
70%
YOUNG PEOPLE
used the SDNPA School Travel Grant to
access learning outside since 2013
OF SCHOOLS
19 ENTRY
SIGNS
installed
engaged with in and around the National
259 PROJECTS
Park
...using the National
Park shared identity
600
130,000
STUDENTS
engaged with every year at STEM events
4,500 200
individuals have started a John Muir Award as young people engaged
part of 260 groups. with since 2017
Trained 94 educators. All over the past 5 years
across the National Park
SOCIAL MEDIA weekly reach
8. SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES 9. PLANNING THAT 10. ENGAGING PEOPLE
DELIVERS ON OUR WITH THE NATIONAL
People and communities lie at the heart of the National Park. In the last ten
years the Authority has invested directly into these communities to help
PURPOSES AND DUTY: PARK THROUGH
them to plan for the future through: National Parks are living, breathing landscapes VOLUNTEERING
shaped by people. Our planning function is a powerful
THE SUSTAINABLE tool in our toolkit to conserve, enhance and share these
landscapes as a nation.
COMMUNITIES FUND
Grant-aided by
The Authority has developed an award-winning
202 projects to the value of landscape led Local Plan and raised the bar in
planning design:
£1.75m
N a t i on a l P a rk A u t h o r i t y
Sustainable Communities Fund SOUTH DOWNS VOLUNTEERING
LOCAL PLAN
56
SOUTH DOWNS LOCAL PLAN
91,000
ADOPTED 2 JULY 2019 (2014–33)
PLANNING – SECTION 106
£2.90m NEIGHBOURHOOD
for funding 109
projects volunteering days a year, supported by
DEVELOPMENT PLANS many different organisations, to
conserve and enhance the National
from across the National Park were Park.
involved in the 2019 Local Plan.
COMMUNITY ...PARISH PLANNING AWARDS THE SOUTH
4
INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCILS received four DOWNS
LEVY given
national and
regional planning
VOLUNTEER
RANGER SERVICE
£2.50m
awards
£300k DAYS
DESIGN AWARDS
1
collected between 2017 and to spend
st
2019, with...
SUPPORTING
WALKERS & CYCLISTS
National Park
WELCOME work a year
The National Park’s Walkers & Cyclists AROUND
Welcome Scheme is designed to promote
sustainable access and enjoyment of the
National Park while supporting local
ever South Downs National Park 4,000
Design Awards was held in 2019 to
businesses and communities to benefit from champion great design in the
increased custom. National Park
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 5
Become a National
Park Custodian
The breathtaking landscape and wildlife of the
South Downs National Park are something we
should all cherish. But, amid our busy lives,
it is easy to take this national gem with all its
rare fauna and flora for granted, believing that
it will simply take care of itself.
T
he truth is that people have a significant role to play in caring
for this amazing space. With 117,000 people living within the
National Park, and 2.2m living within 10km, people are one
of the greatest strengths – an interconnected network of
stewards who can work together to help this special place
flourish.
That’s why the National Park Authority is particularly keen to 7. Take the lead
encourage people of all ages to take the journey to become custodians. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock,
Here are 10 suggestions to get you started... bag and bin your poo bags, and protect
ground nesting birds by sticking to the
1. Experience it! 4. Eat local paths, especially between 1 March and 15
Whether it’s walking, cycling, running, The South Downs National Park is home September.
kayaking, horse riding or just having to a number of award-winning breweries,
a family picnic, get out and enjoy the distilleries and wineries, not to mention 8. Volunteer
beauty of the National Park – we promise our fantastic country pubs. Volunteering is simple, fun and one of the
it will inspire you! (Please follow the Enjoying the food and drink produced best things you can do to help look after
latest Government guidance while Covid locally in the South Downs helps to our National Park. At the moment you
restrictions are in place.) support the network of businesses that can volunteer for one of the many Covid
are the lifeblood of the National Park’s groups set up across the National Park.
2. Save water economy. You can find local suppliers still When restrictions are lifted, there are
Our chalk downland acts as a giant operating on our online map southdowns. plenty of other volunteering opportunities
sponge, soaking up and storing millions of gov.uk/connecting-communities-with- across the South Downs.
litres of water. local-suppliers-and-support-during-
This aquifer provides clean water to the-covid-19-pandemic/ 9. Buy less plastic, and if
1.2m people in the South East. you must buy it – recycle
Simple tips include having a shower 5. Reduce chemical use in or bin it!
instead of a bath or turning off the tap your garden – go organic More disposable packaging means more
when brushing your teeth. Our gardens are home to more wildlife plastic ends up in water courses.
and flora than we might realise. Excess Many birds are badly affected by
3. Pick up litter fertiliser and pesticides run through the plastic waste as it can be mistaken for
Not all of us are responsible for it but we soil and can end up in our groundwater, nest-building material or food.
all hate to see it. Wherever you are in the rivers, streams and wetlands. Litter can be broken down into tiny
National Park, make sure you bin litter or particles called microplastics, which
take it home. 6. Travel sustainably cannot degrade and can remain in our
Walk or cycle where possible. food chain indefinitely.
10. Share it!
If you love it, share it with others. Be
sure to capture the beauty of the South
Downs and share those images on social
media – it all helps to raise awareness of
why this area is so special!
NPA
© All Phoots; SD
6 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.
Partnership
Management Plan
2020–2025
© Shutterstock
Our new Partnership Management Plan (PMP) details the ambitious plans of OUTCOME 7:
the Authority and our partners for the South Downs National Park over the HEALTH AND WELLBEING
next five years. The 10 Outcomes below outline what partners across the
National Park together hope to achieve by 2050. The South Downs
National Park is a
well-used and
OUTCOME 1: OUTCOME 4: recognised asset for
LANDSCAPE AND NATURAL ARTS AND HERITAGE sustaining mental and
BEAUTY Cultural heritage of the physical health
The landscape National Park is and wellbeing.
character of the South enhanced and widely
Downs, its special understood and OUTCOME 8:
qualities, natural enjoyed. CREATING CUSTODIANS
beauty and local More responsibility
distinctiveness have and action is taken by
been conserved and enhanced by OUTCOME 5: visitors, communities
avoiding or mitigating the negative OUTSTANDING and businesses to
impacts of development and cumulative EXPERIENCES conserve and enhance
change. Outstanding the special qualities
experiences for and use resources more wisely.
OUTCOME 2: communities and
INCREASING RESILIENCE visitors are supported OUTCOME 9:
There is increased by high quality GREAT PLACES TO LIVE
resilience within the access and Communities in the
landscape for natural sustainable transport networks. National Park are more
resources, habitats sustainable with an
and species to adapt appropriate provision
to the impacts of OUTCOME 6: of housing to address
climate change and other pressures. LIFELONG LEARNING local needs and
There is widespread improved access to essential services
OUTCOME 3: understanding of the and facilities.
HABITATS AND SPECIES special qualities of the
A thriving and National Park and the OUTCOME 10:
connected network of benefits it provides. GREAT PLACES TO WORK
habitats and increased A diverse, sustainable,
population and dynamic economy
distribution of priority which is positively
species now exist in linked to the special
the National Park. qualities of the
National Park.
To read the full PMP including the priorities for each of these Outcomes visit southdowns.gov.uk/
PartnershipManagementPlan
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 7
YOUR
NATIONAL
PARK
To highlight the 10
outcomes of the Partnership
Management Plan we have
launched our Your National
Park campaign.
T
hroughout the year we Within a stone’s throw of the bustling
will be launching short city of Brighton & Hove is Paul’s favourite
films featuring one of 10 place – Whitehawk Hill and Sheepcote
custodians – one for each of Valley. A tranquil haven of flora and fauna,
the Partnership Management it is also a hub for the community – where
Plan Outcomes. Meet Paul Gorringe, people come together to connect with the
our champion for Outcome 1: landscape and, furthermore, conserve and
Landscape & Natural Beauty enhance it.
The “Your National Park” campaign Paul oversees a sheep grazing project
features dedicated local heroes of that sees dozens of volunteer shepherds
the National Park, including foresters, – or lookerers – help to maintain the “When the sheep industry died off,
farmers, historians and local people, who landscape through conservation grazing. getting on for 100 years or so now, we
collectively are helping to care for this Sheep are at the heart of the story started to lose our Downs. So what we
special place and ensure it will be there for of the creation of the South Downs decided to do was bring back the animals
future generations to enjoy. landscape since the arrival of the first that helped open up the Downs in the first
The first film to be released features farmers from Europe some 4,500 years place, thousands of years ago.
Paul Gorringe a ranger for Brighton & ago. Stone Age farmers cleared the natural “We developed a volunteer programme
Hove City Council who sees it as an forest using flint-bladed tools, providing called the ‘Lookering’ or grazing project
honour and privilege to be a custodian of timber and grazing land for their animals. A and it basically means we have volunteer
the landscape in and around the South combination of sheep grazing over several shepherds. Their role is to come and have
Downs National Park, helping to continue hundred years and a chalky soil created a look at the sheep, get the sheep up and
a millennia-old tradition that has helped to short, springy grassland. moving, check the fences and check the
create one of the rarest habitats on planet Today it is a biodiversity oasis – with up water supply is working.
Earth. to 45 different species of flowering plants “We don’t exclude people – we want
and mosses per square metre and at least people to come through, even with their
20 species of butterfly on the wing at any dogs, obviously on a lead is preferable.
time during the summer. Many people have just never been up
Paul, a dad-of-two from Portslade, here before and when they come there’s
features in a new inspiring video that a real wow factor. How can you not love
explains his love of this special landscape a place like the South Downs – especially
and how sheep, and people, are vital for one that’s so connected to the city and the
its survival. sea? I think it’s magical.”
“The wildlife of this area is extremely Watch Paul’s film on our website
rich,” says Paul. “Chalk downland is here.
known as a rainforest in miniature and it
really is a case of getting down on your
knees and discovering this huge biomass
of plants and insects.
8 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.
RUNNER
NER UP
N
WI
Stedham Common © Mark Couper
into the Mistic ©Andrew Gambling
Photo Competition
WINNER
Winners 2019/20
A breathtaking composition capturing a runner
Hare © Andrew Huttly
jogging into the mist-covered hills at sunrise won
the South Downs National Park’s Annual Photo
Competition 2019/20.
“Into The Mistic”, by Andrew Gambling, took first place in the popular photography
contest, which attracted more than 170 entries capturing scenes from across the length RUNNER
and breadth of the National Park. UP
The theme for the competition was “Experiencing the Natural World” and judges
agreed that Andrew’s extraordinary photograph met the brief perfectly.
The runner-up prize for the main category went to Mark Couper, who captured an
exceptional image of the National Park’s heathland at Stedham Common, in West Sussex.
Meanwhile, the competition also included a separate category for best wildlife image
Surprised Water Vole © Dick Hawkes
– with first place going to an adorable picture of a hare munching on leaves in a colourful
blanket of wildflowers by Adam Huttly. Runner-up in the wildlife category was Dick
Hawkes with his delightful picture of a “Surprised Water Vole”.
The competition judges were award-winning photographers Rachael Talibart and
Finn Hopson, Nick Heasman, Countryside Policy Manager for the South Downs National
Park Authority, Doug Jones, SDNPA Member, and the late Steve Watkins, Editor of
Outdoor Photography Magazine. Steve sadly passed away in December 2019 and this
competition is dedicated to his memory and tireless work to promote photography of the
natural world.
2020 PHOTO COMPETITION – MY TRANQUIL HAVEN WIN
The South Downs National Park photo competition opens for entries on Monday 1 June,
with a first prize of £250 on offer to the amateur or professional photographer who best
£250
captures this year’s theme of ‘My tranquil haven’.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the category judges are looking for images Please adhere to the government
National Park, the competition is capturing the amazing wildlife of the South guidance of social distancing and avoid
also extended this year to include a Downs – the winner in the adult category busy hotspots when exploring the National
youth category for budding young will receive £100. Park, visit our website here for advice
photographers. The two categories for young on how to stay safe and please be aware
Judges are looking for images that photographers are 10 years and under, that the Government guidance is being
showcase the tranquil beauty of the South and 11 to 17. There will be a winner for regularly reviewed and our advice may
Downs – whether that be a stunning the main theme of ‘My Tranquil Haven’, as change.
landscape, woodland, or piece of history. well as best wildlife image, and the winner Entries close on Friday 23 October.
There is a runner-up prize of £150 and of each of these categories will receive a Find out more and download the entry
third prize of £50. For the wildlife sub- Colombia outdoors rucksack and beanie. form here.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 9
FUN FACT
Water voles are essentially
ecosystem engineers – their
burrowing and feeding behaviour
10 Wildlife
along the edges of watercourses
creates the conditions for other
animals and plants to thrive.
© SDNPA
released to 30 locations along the stretch
Success
of the River Meon in Hampshire.
Farmland Birds
Farmland bird species such as grey
partridges, lapwing, yellowhammer and
Stories
skylark, have seen widespread decline
across the UK over the past half century,
© David Jeffery
but the South Downs Farmland Bird
Initiative was launched six years ago to
help reverse this decline.
A collaboration between the National
Park Authority, Natural England, the
With its abundance of iconic birds, mammals, fish, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust,
plants, invertebrates and internationally-important the RSPB, farmers
and landowners,
habitats, the South Downs National Park is a has focused on
haven for wildlife in the busiest part of the UK. introducing nature-
friendly farming and
The fight to protect and enhance this beautiful sanctuary of flora and fauna is not restoring priority
without its challenges, not least the globally-recognised threats of climate change and habitats, including
human impacts. But the designation of the South Downs National Park 10 years ago wildflower-rich chalk
on March 31, 2010, marked a significant step forward. And, in the 10 years since, great grassland.
strides have been made to help improve biodiversity. Here is just a taster of some of our The project is
success stories from the last 10 years… ongoing but the
evidence so far shows some great
Iconic Crickets found only in five locations, three in the success stories such as on the Iford Estate
The South Downs remains the last bastion South Downs. near Lewes where the creation of new
in the UK for the iconic field cricket, A pioneering project has seen the wildlife habitats has seen bird biodiversity
whose “cheep, cheep, cheep” is the rare insect reintroduced into new chalk flourish from just a handful of species to
quintessential sound of summer. grassland habitat around the Deep Dean well over 100. For more information see
Thirty years ago the species was Water Treatment Works in East Sussex, www.sdfarmbirds.com
isolated to just one site of 100 field thanks to a collaboration between South
crickets in West Sussex. But a concerted East Water, Natural England, Buglife, and Natterjack Toad
effort, led by volunteers and conservation the Zoological Society of London. The heathlands of the South Downs
organisations, has helped to establish six National Park provide a vitally-important
colonies at heathland sites in Sussex, Surrey Water Voles habitat for the natterjack toad, who need
and Hampshire. The water vole is the fastest declining short vegetation for the active hunting of
The wart-biter bush cricket is one of the mammal in the UK and during the 1990s their prey and will avoid vegetation such as
UK’s most endangered insects and gets its the UK population fell by almost 90 per bracken.
name from the ancient Swedish medical cent. The National Park’s Heathlands
practice of using them to eat skin warts. It However, the water vole has made a Reunited project, working with the
was once found across southern England remarkable comeback in the South Downs Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
but numbers have declined so dramatically National Park thanks to the work of the charity, has funded four hectares of
that they are now Meon Valley Partnership. Over six years, a bracken spraying to improve the quality
total of 2,833 water voles have of their habitat. Longhorn cattle are
been also playing a vital
role in keeping the
vegetation height
down to help sustain
this beautiful species.
© Dick Hawkes
ton
© SDNPA
© Nigel Syming
10
© SDN The Round-Headed This work involves lowering the river
bank to help reconnect the river with
Fifty years ago
rural areas had
Rampion its floodplain, narrowing the channel to plenty of owl lofts in
on
The round-headed increase flow and introducing woody barns, but many of
© Bruce Middlet
rampion, also known debris and newly-planted trees to those barns have
as the ‘Pride of provide valuable habitat for wild fish. The been converted
Sussex’, can be work is helping to reduce erosion and or lost over the
found throughout sedimentation – something that will benefit years. The National
the Sussex and spawning wild trout, which need clear Park Authority and
Hampshire Downs. well-oxygenated water and clean gravel to the Sussex Ornithological Society have
Scrub removal lay their eggs. been working with landowners to reverse
followed by sheep this trend and introduce more barn owl
grazing has allowed boxes. There are now 97 barn owl boxes
this chalk grassland specialist to flourish.
This has only been possible thanks to
partnership working at sites like Old
FUN FACT
Wild trout are excellent indicators
spread across an area from Petersfield to
Pulborough with dozens more across the
rest of the South Downs National Park.
Winchester Hill, where the combined of the health of a river – where Tune in to our South Downs National
efforts of the SDNPA, Natural England and they thrive you can be sure that Park Barn Owl Watch here.
our Volunteer Ranger Service has really other wildlife will thrive too!
helped the recovery of this species. Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Work by the South Downs Volunteer
Duke of Burgundy Otters Rangers is helping to save the regionally
The nationally declining and threatened Thought to be locally extinct in Hampshire endangered pearl-bordered fritillary
Duke of Burgundy butterfly has responded until a few years ago, otters have made a butterfly by creating special havens for
spectacularly to habitat management comeback on the River Meon thanks to a this ‘very fussy’ species in woods on the
work performed as part of the South reduction in river pollution. Norfolk Estate, near Arundel, in West
Downs Way Ahead Nature Improvement This historic issue caused by factors Sussex.
Area (NIA), recovering from the brink such as intensive agriculture is being The pearl-bordered fritillary declined
Purkiss
of extinction and extending its territory. tackled by the Meon Valley Partnership, by 95 per cent nationally between 1976
This involved the SDNPA, Wiston Estate, which includes the SDNPA and other and 2014 but has been hit hardest in the
© SDNPA/Anne
Steyning Downland Trust, and Butterfly partners such as the Environment Agency, south east. The butterfly is now extinct
Conservation. Portsmouth Water and Hampshire and in Kent and Surrey and there are only
In the ‘Chantry to Chanctonbury’ Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The group a handful of colonies left in Sussex and
area of the NIA, annual counts rose from have worked with landowners, local Hampshire, one the result of a successful
82 to 408 between 2012 and 2014, an fishing groups and volunteers re-introduction programme.
increase of 398 to help restore river banks and However, its fortunes are on the
per cent. Further encourage more nature-friendly up following “Fritillaries for the Future”
west, at Heyshott land management. – a three-year project led by Butterfly
Escarpment near It’s believed there are now Conservation with the South Downs
Midhurst, peak daily three breeding females on the National Park Authority and supported by
counts rose from River Meon with a wildlife camera the Heritage Lottery Fund. Last year saw
ton
31 in 2012 to 104 in catching footage last year of a the count reaching 243 butterflies over six
© Nigel Syming
2014, an increase of mother and her two cubs. areas – the highest count since 2011.
235 per cent.
Wild Trout
The Rother Revival project, with support
from The Sussex Lund grant programme,
is currently under way and focuses on
restoring and enhancing a stretch of the
ton
Western Rother in Hampshire and West
© Nigel Syming
Sussex.
Barn Owls
An iconic species of the British
countryside, barn owls are an apex
predator and a good indicator of health of
© Sutterstock
the farmed landscape. As a general rule
the more barn owls we have, the healthier
the eco-system is.
NPA
SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 11Key
Key South Downs National Park
Key
South Downs National
Way Park
South Downs Way
(footpath only)
Our priority is keeping our visitors and communities safe. South Downs Way
(footpathstations
Railway only)
Please follow the latest Government guidelines and stay 2m
apart when out and about in the National Park. The best way Railway stations
to do this is to avoid the most popular destinations. Why not try
walking or cycling to a part of the National Park that you have
Railway
Countryside sites
yet to discover. We are all custodians of this beautiful landscape Settlement
Countryside sites
so please support our farmers, communities and wildlife
Visitor Information Points
Settlement
by sticking to the path, keeping you dog on a lead around
livestock, taking your litter home and avoid disturbing ground 2
Cycle
Visitorhire
Information Points
nesting birds and other wildlife. #staysafeoutside Cycle hire
2
2
© Nigel Symington
16
3
18
Go butterfly spotting on St
© Sam Moore
Catherine’s Hill – 25 species call
it home!
© Rebecca Saunders
© SDNPA
Picnic with a view out over the
weald from atop the National
Trust’s Harting Down.
Walk, cycle or horse ride the Discover a carpet of bluebells on
Meon Valley Trail. the walk to historic Kingley Vale.WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU...
1 Winchester City Mill 24 Iping and Stedham Common 47 Mill Hill
2 St. Catherine’s Hill 25 Woolbeding Gardens 48 Southwick Hill
3 West Walk 26 Woolbeding Countryside 49 Devil’s Dyke/Fulking Escarpment
4 Beacon Hill 27 Marley Common 50 Saddlescombe Farm/Newtimber Hill
5 Hinton Ampner 28 Black Down 51 Woods Mill
6 Old Winchester Hill 29 Swan Barn Farm 52 Wolstonbury Hill
7 Chawton House 30 Ebernoe Common 53 Ditchling Beacon
8 Alice Holt Forest 31 The Mens 54 Black Cap
9 Gilbert White House & Oates Collection 32 Petworth House and Park 55 Castle Hill
10 Selborne Common 33 Lavington Common 56 Lewes Castle
11 Woolmer Forest 34 Bignor Hill 57 Lewes Downs/Mount Caburn
12 Ashford Hangers 35 Bignor Roman Villa 58 Monks House
13 Butser Hill 36 Slindon Estate 59 Charleston House
14 Queen Elizabeth Country Park 37 Arundel Castle 60 Long Man of Wilmington
15 Uppark House 38 Arundel Wildfowl & Wetland Trust 61 Lullington Heath
16 Harting Down 39 Amberley Working Museum 62 Alfriston Clergy House
17 Durford Heath 40 Amberley Wildbrooks 63 Friston Forest
18 Kingley Vale 41 Pulborough Brooks 64 Seven Sisters Country Park
19 Goodwood Sculpture Park 42 Warren Hill and Sullington Warren 65 Seaford Head
20 Drovers 43 Chanctonbury Ring 66 Birling Gap and Seven Sisters
21 Heyshott Down 44 Highdown Hill 67 Beachy Head
22 Weald and Downland Museum 45 Cissbury Ring
23 Goodwood Country Park 46 Bramber Castle National Trust sites RSPB sites
24 41
46
© Sam Moore
© Sam Moore
© SDNPA
Soak up the stunning purples
of our precious heathlands at
Stedham common. Take your binoculars and count Enjoy this riverside Miles without
how many species of birds or Stiles route for all starting at
butterflies you can spot.. Bramber village.Thankful
for our
Farmers
Haller
© SDNPA/Mischa
The role of our South Downs farmers has never been
There are six farm clusters in
more vital as they work tirelessly to ensure that our food the South Downs National Park; the
production cycle is safeguarded in the face of the global Eastern South Downs Farmers Group,
Arun to Adur Farmers Group, Rother
virus pandemic.
A
Valley Farmers Group, South Downs
lready flat out, catching to deliver nature-friendly farming, Farmers Group, Selborne Landscape
up on field work after the including providing wildlife habitats Partnership and the Winchester Downs
wet winter, sowing spring such as hedgerows and wildflower Farm Cluster. They range in size from
crops and preparing for margins, to encourage bees, butterflies just under 5,000ha to over 30,000ha
the lambing season, our and farmland birds such as the grey and have anywhere between 10 and 45
farmers are key workers in the fight to partridge, and improving the quality of members.
keep our countryside both productive soil, air and water. The South Downs National Park
and managed effectively for wildlife in Bruce Fowkes, Farming Officer for is also working with farmers and the
these uncertain times. the South Downs National Park, said: farm clusters to contribute to the
Before the pandemic, work was “Farming is integral to the South Downs, development of the Government’s
already underway to help farmers producing quality food and looking after new Environmental Land Management
across the South Downs join forces the landscape that we love and enjoy. Scheme (ELMS). Through a series of
and create an online portal as they aim These are busy and challenging tests and trials, the aim is to provide
to work closer together to care for the times for farmers, with the UK leaving feedback from the farming community
landscape. the EU and quality food production more to ensure that future agricultural policies
More than 75 per cent of the South critical than ever during this global virus and support ensures the production
Downs National Park is farmland and crisis. We hope the website will explain of quality local food can sit alongside
farmers play a critical role in looking after the vital role farmers undertake for sustainable land management that
the landscape and its wildlife. Although society and provide an opportunity for also helps combat climate change and
the UK is in lockdown, their work goes people to find out more detail about the biodiversity decline.
on, caring for the land and providing work that farmers do.” For more information visit www.
vital food production to keep the country The South Downs has a number of southdownsfarming.com
going in these difficult times. successful ‘farm clusters’. These are Please support our farmers by
Now more than 120 farms through farmer led groups, consisting of farmers, sticking to the path, keeping dogs on
six farmer-led groups across Hampshire land managers, foresters and other the lead around livestock and taking
and Sussex are collaborating on a local partners, who work collaboratively your litter home. Always follow the
new online platform to share updates, across the landscape to achieve more Countryside Code.
© Brian Toward
projects and best practice. The site also than they are able to do on their own.
showcases the ongoing work of farmers
14 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.© SDNPA
HOUNDS
ON THE DOWNS
Enjoying the South Downs landscape with your four-legged friend is a great way to get
some fresh air and keep fit. Make sure you always follow the latest Government guidance
while out and about.
This stunning National Park is a brilliant place for responsible dog putting your dog on the lead around livestock and from now until
walkers with miles of footpaths and large areas of Open Access September during ground nesting bird season, especially during
land but there are a few easy to follow guidelines to help you and lambing season, it’s really simple to be a responsible dog owner –
your dog stay safe and do your bit to care for this precious place just follow the four steps above.
while you’re here. From bagging and binning your dog poo, to
BECOME A DOG
AMBASSADOR
Heathlands sites are great places to walk your
dog and on several locations in the South
Downs and in normal times you might meet one
of our Dog Ambassadors.
We hope our dog ambassadors will once more
be out and about chatting to people once it is safe
to do so. If you’d like to help spread awareness
about responsible dog walking and become a dog
ambassador on a site near you in the future, please
email heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk for more
information.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 15THE
AQUIFER
PARTNERSHIP
© SDNPA
A major five-year £500,000 project has launched to help safeguard the chalk
aquifer of the South Downs that supplies water to 1.2m people and is under
increasing threat from climate change.
T
he Aquifer Partnership will work to protect groundwater in the conducted vital research into using the
Brighton Chalk Block from pollution, as well as increase resilience power of nature to reduce pollution. This
to climate change and extreme weather events that can cause includes plant-powered drainage systems
flooding and drought. in busy urban areas and winter cover
crops on fields that would normally be left
Led by a partnership between the treatment or a catchment based solution bare.
South Downs National Park Authority, to manage concentrations. Southern TAP will now focus on delivery, with an
Brighton & Hove City Council, Southern Water projections also show that within ambitious programme designed to bring
Water, and the Environment Agency, their supply area in the South East a third people together to care for this precious
the wide-reaching programme will work of its water sources may be lost 25 years resource. For more information about
with residents, farmers, landowners, and from now due to the impacts of climate these plans visit www.wearetap.org.uk
schools across the Brighton, Hove and change, while the population it serves
Lewes area to safeguard our drinking could have grown by 15 per cent. Without
water. action, Southern Water predicts a supply
It comes as there is a pressing and demand deficit by 2030.
need to tackle rising nitrate levels in The Aquifer Partnership is a re-launch
groundwater that leaches into the aquifer of the Brighton ChaMP for Water project,
from urban and rural sources such as which was established in 2016 to protect
road run-off and fertilisers. Over 70 per and improve the quality of groundwater in
cent of Southern Water’s groundwater the chalk landscape around Brighton. The
© SDNPA
sources within the Brighton area have team has already engaged with scores
rising nitrate levels requiring either a of farmers and land managers, as well as
16 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.Tree-mendous!
© SDNPA
An inspiring campaign to plant 5,000 trees across A full list of criteria for consideration
can be found on the application
the South Downs National Park is edging closer website page. Applicants should have
to smashing its fundraising target – and now control of the land, or permission from
the landowner, as well as any other
expressions of interest for planting are being permissions that might relate to the land
taken.
T
being planted. Eligible projects must be
rees for the Downs was seeking to identify suitable projects that within the boundary of the National Park.
launched during National will provide benefits to people, wildlife and Leading horticultural experts from
Tree Week at the end of the landscape of the South Downs. Hillier will be growing and nurturing
November and, in just six Nick Heasman, Countryside and the trees for the Trust to deliver to the
months, £52,000 has been Policy Manager who heads the National community. Disease-resistant elm will
raised from donations and gifts. The Park’s woodlands team, said: “We’re be key in the replanting as, ecologically
campaign is aiming to raise £61,500 really excited to have raised £52,000 in speaking, it is the closest match to ash
to restore trees that have been lost six months and I’d like to thank each and and supports many of the same insect
over the past few decades, including every person, business and organisation and butterfly species. However, Trees for
those to Ash Dieback and Dutch Elm who has made a donation so far. With the Downs will be looking at a range of
Disease. 85 per cent of the funding secured, we native species for the replanting, with the
While the fundraising continues in can open the online application process emphasis on the ‘right tree in the right
earnest, the South Downs National Park and we’re interested to hear from anyone place’.
Trust is now opening the initial online who wants to plant trees in the South To make an expression of interest or
application process. The Trust, the official Downs – trees of any size, and planting to donate visit southdownstrust.org.uk/
charity of the National Park, is looking to at any scale, in towns, villages, or in the trees-for-the-downs
carry out planting over the winter and is countryside.”
CALLING ALL HORSE RIDERS
Horse riders are being called upon to help with the creation of a new series of
self-guided trails for the South Downs National Park.
Working with the British Horse is developing handy downloadable • A short description of the route and a
Society, The National Park Authority guides that will include some of the simple map showing the route.
best circular routes across Sussex and Initially, we are keen to hear from riders
Hampshire. who use the following areas, but routes in
We want to hear from riders about other areas are also welcomed:
where they like to ride and what their • Queen Elizabeth Country Park,
favourite routes are. Please make sure you Hampshire
follow the latest Government guidelines at • Harting Down, West Sussex
all times when out riding. • Heyshott Common, West Sussex
If you’d like to recommend a route, • Eartham Woods, West Sussex
please send the following details to • Seven Sisters Country Park, East
Access@southdowns.gov.uk: Sussex
© SDNPA
• Start point – ideally with horsebox • East Dean, East Sussex.
parking.
• The length of ride (ideally 5-10 miles).
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 17l
e Non-Residentia In the Conserva
The winner of th m tion Category, th
Ditchling Museu was King Edwar e winner
Category went to d VII Sanatorium
Design
A special award
for Innovation w
to Nithurst Farm as given
Awards
winner
munity Space –
Easebourne Com
oice Award
of the People’s Ch
Winners 2019
© Robert Maynard
In the last edition of South Downs View we launched the first ever Design
Awards for the South Downs National Park, recognising outstanding design
projects in the first decade of the National Park.
M
ore than 60 In the Conservation Category, the the scheme “challenged perceptions” to
nominations from winner was King Edward VII Sanatorium, the extent that it required its own award
across the National in Easebourne, West Sussex. Judges category. Judges said the scheme was
Park were received noted that there was “no finer example of “groundbreaking” and noted that it was a
for the awards, conservation architecture” and “marveled “bold and intellectual” building.
which celebrated innovative and at the consistency and attention to Meanwhile, more than 1,200 votes
inspirational projects that have detail”. were cast for the People’s Choice Award,
made a standout contribution The winner of the Residential which included an online poll for the
to the landscape, heritage, built Category was The Riverside House, public’s favourite among 16 shortlisted
environment and local communities in South Street, Lewes, East Sussex. schemes. The winning trophy went
of the National Park. Judges were impressed by the way the to Easebourne Community Space, in
The winner of the Non-Residential design team had “exploited this space Easebourne, West Sussex. It was noted
Category went to Ditchling Museum, in to its full value, with a robust yet graceful that the scheme was an “impressive mix
Ditchling, East Sussex. Judges said the building of high architectural merit”. of play area and habitat creation” and a
scheme “showcases really thoughtful A special award for Innovation was fine example of the “power of using the
architectural design, respecting and given to Nithurst Farm, in Upperton, National Park for health and well-being
connecting with its history and setting”. West Sussex. Judges remarked that purposes”.
18 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.WIN: Brewery
tour and
goodies
for two!
Nestled in the heart
of the South Downs
near Midhurst is
the independent steam-powered
Langham’s microbrewery.
Having adapted to the current social
distancing regulations, Langham’s have
continued to serve their community
creating a drive-through and home
A 300 th
delivery service. Now one lucky reader
can win a tour of the brewery for
two, when the brewery is safely open
again, a Langham t-shirt and 6 beers
of their choice. To enter simply email
© SDNPA/Charlie Hellewell
Birthday
competition@southdowns.gov.uk
putting ‘Langham Brewery comp’ in the
subject box and your contact details in the
main email. Closing date for entries is 31
August 2020 when a winner will be picked
at random. Good luck!
2020 marks 300 years since Gilbert White was born.
G
been very rewarding to be able to do our
ilbert White, who lived his A museum dedicated to Gilbert White bit to help the local community.”
whole life within the South is based at his former house and gardens Anooshka Rawden, Cultural Heritage
Downs National Park and in Selborne, a picturesque village in the Lead for the South Downs National Park,
travelled frequently from South Downs. The museum planned a outlines how places like Gilbert White’s
East Sussex to Hampshire, packed year of events to celebrate this House and Gardens providing support to
was a pioneer of natural science, important anniversary. However, in light local people demonstrates how culture
and has been called the ‘founding of the Covid-19 pandemic these events heritage is embedded in our communities;
father of ecology’. He was one of the have mostly been cancelled and they “Our cultural heritage – our museums,
first people to make natural history are instead looking for other ways to galleries, heritage attractions – are not
accessible for the general public, celebrate. Keep an eye on their website only cornerstones of our tourist and rural
changing the way people saw nature for more information about how you can economies, they are the stories of how
forever and inspiring generations get involved with any future celebrations places have been shaped by people
of naturalists from Darwin to – gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk. You can and ideas. Their historic collections,
Attenborough. also follow the museum on twitter – buildings, remnants left in the landscape,
Gilbert White could not be more @GilbertWhites – to view extracts from are all traces of how we have adapted to
relevant today, as we wake up to the reality White’s diaries which are being published change, opportunity and circumstance
of the effects of climate change on our as part of the yearlong celebrations. over time.
natural world. 231 years ago, Gilbert White Compare weather between the equivalent Creativity and culture has also always
wrote The Natural History of Selborne, a day in the 18th century and today, or been about looking forward, and the focus
book which he hoped would encourage his consider what plants you can or can’t see on community by cultural organisations
readers to connect to the cycles of nature. which Gilbert records seeing for the first at this time when their own survival is at
White was one of the first to understand time on a particular day. stake has been inspiring – from art packs
that losing species, whether animal or Although the museum and house are distributed through foodbanks, provision
plant, would have a disastrous effect on currently closed to visitors, they have been of food parcels, to creative courses online
humankind, as well as the natural world. working with the local pub, The Selborne to support wellbeing.”
Gilbert White inspired generations to be Arms, to provide food supplies and Gilbert White’s museum is part of
in sync with the natural world and his deliveries for the local community in these a new interactive map which supports
tercentenary comes at the perfect time as unprecedented times. Museum Director communities by signposting people to
we begin to reconnect with what is being Steve Green explains: “The museum is food, drink and other support services
lost. We should all aim to live as Gilbert currently closed to visitors, but our cafe close to where they live during the
White did, on a quest to understand and has effectively become the village shop, Covid-19 crisis. To see the map visit
appreciate the natural world – something providing the essentials people need. This southdowns.gov.uk/connecting-
that many of us are deeply missing in the is a challenging time for everyone, but it’s communities-local-suppliers-support-
current restrictive times. covid19-pandemic/
SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. 19“In every walk with nature one
receives far more than he seeks.”
JOHN MUIR
#STAYSAFEOUTSIDE
© John DominickYou can also read
