All posts by jefftravis

South Downs National Park’s Dark Skies season has lift-off!

October 9th, 2024

The ‘glimmers’ of the starry night sky that make us feel happy will be one of the highlights as the National Park launches its exciting Dark Skies season. As the nights draw in and nocturnal wildlife emerges earlier in the evening, the National Park is encouraging people to embrace the darkness and discover the incredible […]

Wonderful news for wetlands as £1.7m funding announced

October 9th, 2024

A huge funding boost will help restore precious wetlands across the South Downs region and help raise awareness about the vital importance of water in all our lives. National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £1.7m to the “Downs to the Sea” initiative, which will increase and restore a network of vital wetlands across and around […]

Coastal biosphere looks to expand

October 8th, 2024

The only urban biosphere in the UK, The Living Coast, is planning to increase in size to include half a million residents. The Living Coast has been a designated UNESCO Biosphere since 2014, stretching from Shoreham to Newhaven, from the South Downs to the sea. The biospheres are places of international best practice, promoting sustainable development […]

Hurrah for hedges in the South Downs!

October 8th, 2024

Almost 15 miles of hedgerow have been restored over the past three years in the western section of the National Park following a big community effort. “Hampshire Hedgerows” has drawn together landowners, farmers, young people and volunteers to help create and restore hedgerows that provide an essential refuge for wildlife. Supporting some 130 different flora […]

The life of a South Downs Ranger: “This is long but satisfying work”

October 8th, 2024

Ethan Purdy, Assistant Ranger, discusses the recent work of volunteers to help maintain the South Downs Way. Snaking its way along the very spine of the chalk, the South Downs Way is a 100-mile-long exhibition to one of the best natural galleries in the UK. Artwork by nature and toil adorn its path in vistas […]