All posts by jefftravis

Embrace the darkness and win £250 as cosmic competition returns!

November 10th, 2025

The National Park’s popular astrophotography competition returns bigger and better than ever to mark 10 years of the South Downs becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve. As the clocks have gone back, days are shorter for exploring the National Park, but the night-time offers its own celestial charms. Look up on a clear night and […]

New nature vision for South Downs estate

November 9th, 2025

Becky Hiorns is Project Manager for Woolbeding Re-imagined, which is working to improve the West Sussex estate for nature and people. Here Becky writes about the exciting project. Woolbeding Reimagined is a bold new vision for the Woolbeding estate; working with partners we aim to support nature recovery, address the climate crisis and provide better […]

The power of ponds to help nature flourish once again

October 16th, 2025

Eleven much-needed wildlife ponds will be created across the South Downs National Park to help nature bounce back, thanks to a £75,000 funding boost. The “Pounds for Ponds” initiative continues to go from strength to strength and is now entering its second phase after already restoring 10 dew ponds across Sussex and Hampshire. Dew ponds […]

National Park Authority’s response to water neutrality announcement

October 9th, 2025

The Government has today lifted a four-year pause on development in the Arun Valley as part of an agreement that will safeguard local wetlands and wildlife. Responding to the update on water neutrality, Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the National Park Authority, said: “Thriving nature underpins our entire economy and wellbeing, so we’re pleased […]

Paranormal stories from the South Downs National Park

October 8th, 2025

The South Downs has centuries of superstitions, folklore and ghostly tales that have been passed down the generations. Here are a selection of some paranormal sightings and village legends to let your imaginations run wild this Halloween! The Running Hound Location: Alfriston – Between the Downs and Town Fields Date / Time: Full Moon (reoccurring) […]