All posts by jefftravis

Affordable housing boost for South Downs National Park

January 9th, 2025

A major development that will bring much-needed affordable homes is a step closer to coming to fruition. Three years ago the National Park Authority granted outline planning permission for 226 homes – with half of them being affordable – at Old Malling Farm, Lewes. Now the specific design, scale, layout and appearance of the development […]

Meet the South Downs Planner…James Brazil

January 8th, 2025

Let’s catch up with James Brazil, Planning Policy Assistant at the South Downs National Park Authority. Three words that sum up your job in planning? Engaging, Ever-changing, Impactful Okay, so what’s your role at the National Park?   I am a Planning Assistant at the National Park and apprentice at Oxford Brookes University, working towards […]

Give a gift that restores nature: Biodiversity Credits in the South Downs

December 10th, 2024

Are you struggling for gift inspiration this Christmas and looking for something a little bit different? Did you know you can actually buy your very own piece of nature restoration that’s guaranteed for 30 years? As part of the National Park’s Voluntary Biodiversity Credits scheme, we’re offering a chance to fund the creation of a […]

Did the Romans make wine from South Downs grapes?

December 10th, 2024

Many of us will be raising a toast this festive season as we gather round with family and friends and it may even be a bottle of South Downs bubbly! Anooshka Rawden, the National Park’s Cultural Heritage Lead, takes a look at the history of vineyards in the South East region. The Domesday Book, published […]

When you wish upon a star…stargazing tips this festive season

December 10th, 2024

T’was the night before Christmas and the twinkle of the endless skyscape above couldn’t be more festive! Winter stargazing season is upon us and, provided you wrap up and take a warming drink, there are few things more uplifting on a clear night than a walk in the International Dark Sky Reserve. There’s so much […]