All posts by Luke Geoghegan

The National Park Authority’s achievements for 2013-14

October 17th, 2014

Reintroduced water voles, better woodland management, preparations for a National Park Local Plan, and promoting sustainable travel are just some examples of successful partnership projects highlighted in the South Downs National Park Authority’s (SDNPA) annual review for 2013-14. Margaret Paren, Chair of the SDNPA, said: “We’re proud to work in partnership with a wide range […]

How can planning make green spaces count?

October 10th, 2014

A report published today by the South Downs National Park Authority shows that people’s access to green spaces – so important for their health and wellbeing – varies considerably across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex. The report coincides with recent calls from Natural England for the value of green places to be given greater […]

SDNPA Planning Committee decide oil/gas application for Nine Acre Copse, Fernhurst

September 11th, 2014

The SDNPA Planning Committee today refused planning permission for Celtique Energie Weald Limited’s application for Nine Acre Copse, Fernhurst. The application was for the installation of a well and associated infrastructure, including access road and soil bunds, for the drilling of a vertical borehole for the exploration, testing and appraisal of hydrocarbons for a temporary […]

Officer recommendation on oil/gas application for Nine Acre Copse, Fernhurst

September 3rd, 2014

Members of the South Downs National Park Authority’s Planning Committee are being recommended to refuse planning permission for exploratory drilling and appraisal for oil/gas in the National Park. The report, by SDNPA officers, having taken Leading Counsel advice, advises that the applicant has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances exist for such exploration and appraisal to […]

Lest we forget

August 1st, 2014

This August, the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, we are joining with communities across the National Park to remember the lives of people from the South Downs who lost their lives. Linch War Memorial Residents of Linch Parish in West Sussex turned out to celebrate the reinstatement of the Linch War […]

World Ranger Day

July 31st, 2014

Thursday 31 July is World Ranger Day. To mark the occasion we asked some of our rangers to tell us about their favourite projects. Dan talks about his work to protect our night skies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rha7b_69i98 Elaina talks about the work she’s doing to reintroduce water voles to the Meon Valley Mark talks about helping the Plumpton […]