All posts by Luke Geoghegan

British Food Fortnight

September 15th, 2016

Discover the flavour of the South Downs with British Food Fortnight, running from 17 September – 2 October. British Food Fortnight is the annual, national celebration of British food and drink. We believe that the South Downs National Park should be recognized for high-quality, sustainable food as well as its natural beauty. This is just some […]

Take a walk around Findon with our newest leaflet

September 15th, 2016

The newest member of our walk and ride leaflet suite has arrived! The new Findon leaflet details two walks taking in Cissbury and Chanctonbury Ring – offering some spectacular views over the weald and out to the coast. Cissbury Ring is the second largest hill fort in England and one of the best places to […]

World Water Monitoring Day

September 13th, 2016

To celebrate World Water Monitoring Day, volunteer Ron Wilder shares his experience working on the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative. “I’ve been involved with the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative [RMI] for 3 years now; I was attracted to the project from both my South Downs Volunteer Ranger conservation work with water voles and my passion for fly-fishing. So […]

Secrets of the High Woods Celebration

September 13th, 2016

A family discovery day celebrating the heritage of the South Downs will bring history to life at the South Downs Centre and Capron House gardens in Midhurst on Saturday 24 September 10am-4pm. There will be a range of activities, from Renaissance dancing and fight demonstrations, to fun children’s archaeology activities. There will also be the chance to try out archery […]

Fungi safari

September 7th, 2016

If you go down to the woods today you’re in for a fun-gi surprise… There are perks to the evenings drawing in and the inevitable autumn rain in the National Park. Before the leaves start to fall the thick woodland canopy and wet ground create the perfect conditions for fungi to thrive. Photographers James and […]

History on the Heath

September 6th, 2016

Petersfield Heath was invaded last weekend by a host of colourful characters who brought the history of our lowland heath to life through our Secrets of the Heath event. Visitors to the two day event learnt that heathland only exists because of human activity which started back in stone age times when flint implements aided […]

Hairy mallow in the South Downs National Park

September 2nd, 2016

Written by Dr Patrick Austin, Environment Officer, South East Water The South Downs National Park is home to a wide range of rare species. These include insects like the wart-biter cricket and the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, but also a number of rare plants including the Nationally Rare hairy (or rough) mallow (Althaea hirsuta). It […]