All posts by Luke Geoghegan

Cyclists and walkers welcome!

August 2nd, 2017

You’re out on your bike and run out of water… You want to hide from the rain with a pint but your walking boots are covered in mud… A pilot scheme starting in the South Downs this summer will help walkers and cyclists find a warm welcome and support the local businesses who offer it. […]

Don’t go chasing water voles

August 2nd, 2017

In 2013 the first water voles were released at Titchfield Haven as part of an ambitious project to reintroduce these locally-extinct animals to the River Meon. Five years and almost 2,500 water voles later we asked some of the people involved what the project has meant to them. Once a common sight in the Meon […]

Enjoy local ale, food and music at Live at Langhams – 26 August 2017

August 2nd, 2017

On 26 August from 1pm – 11pm, Langham Brewery is holding a free fundraising event to raise money for vital improvements to the South Downs Way. The event will be an evening of summertime family fun in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy live music , fine local food (hog roast, veggie options, cakes and […]

ICM Direct and the Citizens Panel

August 1st, 2017

The South Downs National Park Authority has appointed ICM Direct, a leading research agency, to recruit members of the public living in and near the South Downs National Park to our first Citizens Panel. We are hoping to recruit 2,000 people to the Citizens Panel to help us carry out research that will help us […]

Most asked: Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive for the SDNPA

July 31st, 2017

Send us your questions about a particular area of work in the National Park to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk Answering this month is: Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive for the SDNPA Question Do farmers have enough of a voice in the National Park? Trevor answers When the National Park first came into being the Authority agreed to work closely […]

Butterfly surveying in the South Downs National Park

July 21st, 2017

Written by Charlotte Wray, Assistant Ranger What better way to spend a hot July day than walking through beautiful chalk grassland surveying butterflies?! This is how South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service member John Walton and I spent last Thursday. In the Western end of the South Downs we carry out three butterfly surveys throughout the […]

Three Neighbourhood Plans submitted for pre-submission consultation

July 20th, 2017

Neighbourhood planning is a right for communities introduced through the Localism Act 2011. Communities can shape development in their areas through the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders. These tools provide the perfect opportunity for communities to take a more active approach to shaping their environment and […]