Our Purpose

We are an independent organisation dedicated to protecting the South Downs. Through a programme of activities and engagement, we aim to promote the beauty of the South Downs so that all who live, work and visit may share our love for all it has to offer and support us in campaigning for its protection.

Nature Recovery

Wildlife has been depleted on the South Downs. The Friends share the view that we should do what we can to help nature recover, so we are helping to finance nature recovery projects across the Park, from water health projects to ‘no-fence’ collars for cattle.

Children and Young People

We invest heavily in supporting children and young people to get to know and appreciate the South Downs, especially children who might not otherwise have the chance to visit the area. We consider that encouraging children to value the Downs is a great investment for the future.

Planning

We seek to ensure a robust planning policy framework and comment on planning applications both within and adjacent to the Park that have the potential to affect its special qualities to conserve and enhance the South Downs National Park.

Access

In partnership with other organisations, we work to encourage as many people as possible to access the Downs. We have a range of access projects to meet this aim, which you can read about here.