All posts by jefftravis

Groundbreaking biodiversity study in South Downs 250 years after the great Gilbert White

March 15th, 2023

It’s a stunning region famed for Jane Austen’s countryside and Britain’s first ecologist Gilbert White. Now a groundbreaking study has shone a light on the biodiversity of this quintessential English countryside – and shown wildlife around Selborne is not doing so badly after all. The survey is the most comprehensive since Gilbert White’s own studies […]

Have your say on Lewes Phoenix proposals

March 14th, 2023

The consultation period for a major plan to build a new community of 700 homes and cultural, business and flexible workspace in Lewes has now opened. Human Nature (Lewes) Ltd has submitted a planning application to the South Downs National Park Authority for the redevelopment of the North Street Industrial Estate and Springman House, in […]

Celebrating International Women’s Day in the South Downs National Park

March 13th, 2023

As the National Park marks International Women’s Day this March, two women with close association to the Downs, Soraya Abdel-Hadi and Thérèse Kearns, describe what nature means to them. Soraya Abdel-Hadi is an award-winning writer, artist, sustainability professional and founder of All The Elements – a non-profit network for those creating change on diversity in the UK […]

Renaturing of fields in South Downs gets underway

March 13th, 2023

Work is well underway to “renature” a popular site and ensure it becomes a thriving environment for wildlife and visitors alike. Cissbury Fields, located at the foot of Cissbury Ring, were previously farmed by a tenant, but were taken back under the control of the Worthing Borough Council in 2021 as part of its pledge […]