News from the South Downs National Park

Relax in magical treescape of the South Downs National Park this autumn

The warmth of the sun may be waning, but the warmth of the autumn colours in the South Downs National Park is just getting started. With more woodland by area than any other National Park in England and Wales, autumn is a delight in the South Downs and one of the most picturesque times of […]

Update on Secrets of the Heath

The popular Secrets of the Heath event was due to take place at Hogmoor Inclosure, Whitehill & Bordon, over the weekend of 10 and 11 September. As a mark of respect for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend event will not be going ahead and has been postponed until a later date.

Bees bouncing back in South Downs National Park with new wildflower havens

The South Downs are alive with the beauty of wildflowers and buzzing bees this summer, thanks to the success of an inspiring nature project. Bee Lines is going from strength to strength, with the South Downs National Park Trust giving 11 grants in recent months to create new wildflower oases at farms, community fields, recreation […]

New meadow in South Downs explores impact of climate change

A drought-tolerant experimental meadow has been introduced at one of the National Park’s horticultural attractions to learn more about the impact of climate change. As the UK records its highest temperatures on record and officially declared a drought, it seems timely that West Dean Gardens, near Chichester, has created a meadow that is covered in […]

Calls for national ban on sale of disposable barbecues

The Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority has called for a national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. Trevor Beattie welcomed the move by major retailers to withdraw disposable barbecues from sale, but said more measures were needed to help protect landscape, wildlife and people. He said: “We need a national […]

" The Downs...too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness. "