VRS Celebrates 30 Years of Service

The South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service (VRS) celebrates 30 years of service this month. Founded in 1981, the VRS was set up to protect the Heritage Coast of East Sussex. Over the years, membership has increased dramatically and the VRS now has over 300 volunteers working throughout theSouth DownsNational Parkand with almost 20 partnership organisations.

The 30 year birthday was celebrated with over 60 volunteers at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday 9^th July at Pulborough Village Hall. Margaret Paren, Chair, SDNPA, gave presentations to volunteers with over ten years service. 

“The Volunteer Rangers work tirelessly to protect, conserve and enhance the beautiful countryside around us, “ said Margaret Paren. “We are delighted to have such a dedicated group working alongside the South Downs National Park Authority.”

The VRS contributed 5700 volunteer days last year, doing vital maintenance and monitoring work, helping in Area offices as well as providing advice and guidance to visitors. Typical outdoor tasks include chalk grassland and heathland conservation, scrub clearance, woodland management, hedge laying, improving public access and surveys of flora and fauna. Volunteers also get involved with office based projects.

For more information see our website page VRS

Media Enquiries:

For media enquiries please contact the press office on:

Tel: 01730 811785, Mobile: 07557 853277

Email: press@southdowns.gov.uk