Minerals and Waste

The rich geology of the South Downs underpins so much of what makes the National Park special – i.e., its diverse landscapes, land uses, buildings and culture.

In terms of mineral working, this is a historic feature of the South Downs but presents a key challenge to the landscape of the National Park.  As for waste management, the waste generated by the people living, working and/or visiting the National Park needs to be dealt with. 

There are small-scale local waste and recycling facilities within the National Park, as well as larger facilities where waste from construction and demolition activities is recycled.  

We work towards reducing, reusing and recycling waste before anything is thrown away, and inert waste that cannot be recycled can be a useful source of material to enable the restoration of old quarries or to stabilize quarry faces.