Working with children and young people
The Friends are working hard to help children 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 South Downs is a great investment for the future.
We have run projects, South Downs Generations and South Downs for All, partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, working with over 20 schools to help primary aged children learn about Downland landscape, wildlife, literature, heritage, and other culture. Further details are available on these websites.
Read about our other projects working with children and young people:
Explorers of the South Downs
We are running a project called Explorers of the South Downs which has enabled over 4,000 children to have a day out on the Downs to learn about what makes them special. On their days out, the children learn about Downland landscape, wildlife and literature.
Academic prizes for young people
We are working with young people through an association with the University of Brighton, where we sponsor an academic prize for work on an environmental topic.
Overnight stays on the Downs
Working with the Youth Hostels Association, we enables classes of primary school children to stay overnight at a South Downs youth hostel and experience the beauty of the Downs by day and by night. Over 300 children have enjoyed this adventure.
Young adult members
We have recently launched our digital young adult membership for those aged 18-30 to join the Friends as members, free of charge. We want to give younger generations greater opportunity to share in the protection of Downland beauty, and diversify the range of voices contributing to key decisions.
More to explore
Children & Young People
The Friends are investing heavily in helping children to get to know and appreciate the Downs.
Planning
Our planning policy guidelines provide the basis of our campaign and help us respond to new developments and planning applications.
Access
Work we are undertaking to encourage as many people as possible to access the Downs.
Conservation
Wildlife has been depleted on the South Downs. The Friends share the view that we should do what we can to help nature recover.