Make a difference this summer and join a Youth Action Day!
July 1, 2019
Like so many of our natural and wild spaces, the South Downs National Park is on the frontline of climate change.
A warming planet threatens thousands of plant and animal species, including many found in the National Park, either through habitat loss, pollution, the arrival of invasive species or extreme weather events.
While urgent action is needed at the national and international level to stem carbon emissions, reduce pollution and protect wildlife, local action is just as important for setting a good example for others to follow.
This summer we’re launching our very first series of Youth Action Days to champion the next generation of custodians who care about our protected places and want to make a difference in our National Park.
The Youth Action Days are for anyone aged between 16 and 25 who is passionate about environmental action and is looking to learn practical skills for helping us to conserve and enhance the South Downs National Park.
There are a total of five action days, all with a different theme and in a different location within the National Park. All of the action days are free and, with a limited number of spaces, be sure to grab a space early!
1. Plastic Pollution action day at Seven Sisters Country Park
Join us in the South Downs National Park for a plastic pollution action day at Seven Sisters Country Park. We’ll be doing a beach clean to remove plastic pollution washing up on the shoreline to protect wildlife and our environment.
You will also get the chance to learn about the amazing wildlife habitats we have along the Sussex coast.
Date: Monday 5 August 2019
Time: 11an – 3pm
Tickets: Eventbrite
2. Restore the Rivers action day at Rotherlands Local Nature Reserve
This is your chance to help river wildlife and to learn more about their habitats. National Park rangers need your help to pull invasive Himalayan balsam from the river banks and to survey for insects living in the river.
Date: Wednesday 7 August 2019
Time: 11am – 3pm
Tickets: Eventbrite
3. Help the Heaths action day at Iping and Stedham Commons
Heathland is one of the rarest habitats in the world and some of the heathland sites in the South Downs are the only places in the country where you will spot all 12 native reptile and amphibian species.
National Park rangers will be guiding you on how to identify reptiles like common lizards and slow worms and show you how you can help to protect their habitat.
Date: Monday 12 August 2019
Time: 11am – 3pm
Tickets: Eventbrite
4. Microvolunteering action day at Truleigh Hill
Join us in the South Downs National Park for a microvolunteering day at Truleigh Hill on the South Downs Way!
We need help promoting the voices of young people in the South Downs and we want you to help us! There will be several actvities and sessions learning about how to use social media effectively, getting the most out of your camera phone and more. We also want to create a multimedia piece using your content to publish on our Instagram, Twitter, Facebook pages and our website.
Date: Wednesday 14 August 2019
Time: 11am – 3pm
Tickets: Eventbrite
5. Precious Pollinators action day at Kithurst Hill
This is your chance to help protect our precious pollinators like butterflies and bees and to learn more about their habitats.
National Park rangers will be guiding you on how to identify butterflies and how to submit sightings on a smartphone, as well as guiding you around the South Downs to learn about the history and wildlife found there.
Date: Thursday 22 August 2019
Time: 9.30am – 1.30pm
Tickets: Eventbrite