All posts by jefftravis

Hundreds have their say on South Downs Local Plan Review

February 11th, 2025

Around 200 comments have so far been submitted to the National Park’s Local Plan Review and well over 500 people have attended consultation events. An eight-week consultation is under way, inviting people to have their say on how and where development takes place. The award-winning South Downs Local Plan is being reviewed to ensure it’s […]

The wonder of wetlands: Major initiative begins to turn tide on biodiversity loss

January 31st, 2025

An exciting £2.4m project to restore precious wetlands across the South Downs region and raise awareness about water is now under way. Work on the “Downs to the Sea” initiative begins in time for World Wetlands Day (2 February), with a bumper action plan to restore and create a network of “blue spaces” in the […]

Community nature group really are the bee’s knees!

January 16th, 2025

A group of community volunteers have won two coveted awards for their stellar efforts to create much-needed habitat for wildlife. The Friends of Blacknest Fields have been working hard over the past few years to improve eight acres of land in the parish of Binsted, Hampshire. Two years ago an array of stunning wildflowers were […]

Trevor’s MBE honour for dedicated service to National Parks

January 16th, 2025

Trevor Beattie, the long-serving former Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, is receiving an MBE for his services to the natural environment. Trevor retired just over a year ago and was quite surprised to receive the good news that he was part of the New Year’s Honours list. At the helm of […]

National Dog Walking Month: Don’t rely on the poo fairy!

January 16th, 2025

For National Dog Walking Month, Olivia French, who leads engagement on heathlands, explains why bagging and binning dog poo is so important. What better way to beat the January blues than to get out for some fresh air with your four-legged friends! Here in and around the South Downs National Park, we’re encouraging you to […]