All posts by jefftravis

Our glorious groundwater! TAP offers simple steps to help care for our precious aquifer

March 22nd, 2021

Become a “groundwater guardian” and help care for the precious aquifer that gives us all clean water to drink and enjoy. That’s the message from The Aquifer Partnership (TAP), which is offering simple ways for residents, gardeners, community organisations and businesses to help safeguard the chalk aquifer of the South Downs that supplies water to […]

Meet the new engagement rangers inspiring more people to learn about their local heath

March 22nd, 2021

The countryside surrounding Whitehill & Bordon contains some of the world’s rarest heathlands habitats, supporting amazing wildlife including the beautiful sand lizard, the silver-studded blue butterfly and several rare birds. These heaths are, in fact, so special that they have protected status. Now a new inspiring initiative is being launched to encourage people to care […]

Enjoying happy times – and helping nature to happily flourish!

March 12th, 2021

Those happy moments and memories in the South Downs are something we all cherish. Whether it’s going for a walk with loved ones and taking in the views, meeting up with a friend for a picnic, or just going for a stroll with your dog, the National Park has that remarkable ability to make you […]

Schoolgirl interviews South Downs sheep farmer

March 11th, 2021

In 1995 Eastbourne hosted the first ever international conference on the environment for children titled ‘Leave It To Us’. More than 850 children from all around the world discussed their pressing environmental concerns of the time – which included animal welfare. To mark the 25th anniversary last year, Antonia Lucas, a founding member of the […]

Looking after the majestic birds of our heathlands

March 11th, 2021

Olivia French is an Engagement Officer for the Heathlands Reunited project and shares four of her favourite bird species – and offers tips on how we can all help protect them! March sees the start of ground-nesting bird season when an array of avian species make their homes on the ground. South Downs heathland is […]

A unique tour of National Parks – in 100 seconds!

March 11th, 2021

Have you ever wondered how National Parks might look from a birds-eye view hovering 100ft up? Well, the kaleidoscope of landscapes, from forest to farmland, mountains to rivers, have been dramatically captured on film by National Geographic Explorer and Guerilla Geographer Daniel Raven-Ellison during his one-man navigation of all of the UK’s 15 National Parks.    […]

A toad-ally brilliant community effort!

March 11th, 2021

A village has rallied round to help save the local population of toads that embark on a treacherous migration every year. Elaina Whittaker-Slark, Lead Ranger for the Western Downs in Hampshire, reveals more. Recent research from Froglife showed that common toads have declined across the UK by 68% over the past 30 years. However, the […]