Water in the National Park

Water is a precious resource for people and wildlife.

The South Downs has globally rare chalk streams, large tidal rivers, historic dewponds, 14 miles of coastlines, and a chalk aquifer that provides water to more than 1.2 million people in and around the National Park.

All of these vital water sources support a host of wildlife including birds, dragonflies, otters, water voles, frogs, toads, fish, seals, eels and even seahorses!

The South Downs National Park Authority is committed to working with partners and communities to protect and enhance this precious resource for wildlife and future generations.

Unfortunately, like in so many parts of the UK, these water environments are under increasing threats from a number of different factors, from pollution to climate change affecting rainfall and water temperatures. The south east of England is also a water-stressed region – meaning that we must look at managing water quantity as well as water quality. Everyone has a role to play in using less water.