All posts by jefftravis

Who were the witches of the South Downs?

October 8th, 2024

Anooshka Rawden, Cultural Heritage Lead, takes a deep dive into the history of witches in the South Downs. When we think of Halloween, alongside ghouls, ghosts and zombies, the figure of the witch comes to mind. All reflect ancient links to a time of heightened superstition, a need to remember the dead, and the turning […]

New community hub celebrates climate action across the South Downs region

October 8th, 2024

Local groups in and around the South Downs National Park are being encouraged to share climate action tips as a new “knowledge hub” is launched. The past decade has seen a huge proliferation in the number of climate action and environment groups across Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey, with volunteers starting up their own locally-based initiatives […]

Exceptional design shines brightly at South Downs National Park awards

October 3rd, 2024

A stunning new wildlife haven, a hillside café in the shape of a train carriage, an eco-friendly house and a beautifully-renovated farmstead are among the winners of the South Downs Design Awards. The winners were announced at an inspiring ceremony at the South Downs Centre in Midhurst yesterday (2 October). The awards celebrate high standards […]

Inspiring walking trail is damaged in targeted attack

September 19th, 2024

The National Park Authority is deeply saddened and appalled that a walking trail featuring fantastic stories from writers of global heritage, sharing their love for and connection with the South Downs, has been vandalised. Thirteen plaques along the Sussex Heritage Coast from Seaford to Eastbourne were stolen, with offenders using a screwdriver to prise off […]

New initiative ensures robust delivery of biodiversity improvements through planning

September 18th, 2024

An innovative partnership is helping Local Planning Authorities get fully set up for mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This year has seen a tidal wave of change in nature compliance as 10 per cent BNG is now a mandatory requirement for many developments in England. Several studies, including ones by the British Property Foundation and […]