All posts by jefftravis

Path facelift and new facilities at country park in South Downs

April 14th, 2026

Improvements have been made to a country park in Hampshire thanks to a funding scheme overseen by the National Park. A 600m section of the South Downs Way at Queen Elizabeth Country Park has been given a makeover after Hampshire County Council was awarded £60,000. Meanwhile, a further £70,000 was awarded to provide a Changing […]

South Downs Climate Network reaches 100 members

April 14th, 2026

A network all about tackling climate change in South Downs communities has just welcomed its 100th member. Since launching in late 2024, the South Downs Climate Action Network has grown from strength to strength. Hosted on Knowledge Hub, it allows local communities to share useful tips and stories around climate action. Sara Osman, Climate Change […]

A gem of a discovery in South Downs National Park

April 14th, 2026

An extraordinary fungal discovery has been made in the South Downs National Park. Amateur fungi enthusiast Liz Frost was stunned after spotting a tiny, tongue-shaped fungus that turned out to the first-ever UK sighting of Microglossum cyanobasis, the Blue-Based Earthtongue, and only the second ever recorded in Europe. The species was spotted at Kingley Vale […]

The secrets of the South Downs sword

April 14th, 2026

A beautiful fitting from a rare Anglo-Saxon sword discovered in the South Downs has gone on display for the first time. The Stopham Mount, thought to be between 1,300 and 1,400 years old, has gone on display at The Novium Museum in Chichester following a successful crowdfunding appeal. Discovered in 2022 near Stopham, the mount […]

Planning update on Boomtown Festival at Matterley Farm

April 9th, 2026

As with many activities in the South Downs National Park, we need to balance everyone’s enjoyment of the National Park with keeping these landscapes special for future generations. The Authority’s Planning Committee voted unanimously today to extend the current one-year permission for a further five years for Boomtown Festival, which is held at Matterley Farm […]