River Health in the South Downs National Park
I hope you will have seen that the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) of which the Friends is, of course, a member has just published a Report, ‘Rivers at Risk’, on the state of rivers in the National Parks. Its findings make sobering reading, but sadly will not come as a surprise to anyone. You
The Worthing Five Peaks Challenge – supporting Olly’s Future during World Suicide Prevention Week
On Saturday 6th September, David Green, Chair, and David Taylor, FSD Volunteer and Walks Leader, took part in the Worthing Five Peaks Challenge 2025, along with Walks Leader and volunteer Tony Linturn. The 17-mile walking challenge was completed by three groups. The group led by FSD Chair David Green finished 1 hour and 15 minutes
Sussex Underwater – The Minter Hotel
Ruby, Youth Ambassador for the Sussex Underwater charity, dives into the “Minter Hotel project and the creation of artificial habitats for marine life. Give nature space to breathe and it will return – that’s always been our ethos at Sussex Underwater, though sometimes a helping hand along the way doesn’t go amiss. Our charity has
A walk on the wild side at Westerlands
Henrietta, Trustee and Marketing Communications Expert, recounts the guided tour of Westerlands Farm in Graffham, Petworth, led by farm manager Oliver Hancock. Farming is no longer what it once was. With changes in UK tax and government policy, global tariffs and increasing complexities of a fast-changing climate, farmers are having to adapt, and fast. The
Launch of the Free Young Adult Membership
Friends of the South Downs are excited to announce the launch of a new, free membership targeted to people aged 18-30. A new membership programme, aimed at young adults, has recently been launched by the Friends of the South Downs. The aim of the programme is to broaden and expand the membership base and strengthen
South Downs for All Project in Hampshire Update
After a busy few months of delivering workshops, Chris Hare, Project Manager, and Michael Blencowe, Local Wildlife Expert, reflect on their experiences working with schools across Hampshire. Visiting Hampshire Schools: Chris Hare, Project Manager What a busy start to the year we have had with our new South Downs for All Project with Hampshire Schools.
South Downs for All Project Launched in Hampshire
Having concluded our South Downs for All project with Sussex schools last year, we are now delighted to bring the same heritage learning opportunities to seven partner schools in Hampshire. These schools struggle financially and have many pupils with special learning needs or from homes classed as being low income or with issues of family
Storrington and Knepp Wildland: The UK’s only European Stork Village
In 2024 Knepp Wildland applied to have the Knepp Estate and Storrington jointly designated as a ‘European Stork Village’ It is worth reading on to learn about the background to these festivities. The association of Storrington with storks is clear, although there are alternative interpretations. It is often stated that the Saxon name for Storrington
The South Downs Local Plan Review
Our formal comments on the South Downs Local Plan Review The first public consultation on the Review of the South Downs Local Plan ended on 17th March. The Local Plan is a very important document for the South Downs National Park as it sets out both the policies against which planning applications will be assessed and
Award Winning Performances at The University of Brighton
An interview with Haari Aswat, who won the Robert Thurston Hopkins Award for 2024. Two years ago, trustees decided to create links with Brighton University to foster interest in the Downs from high achieving young people who could make a difference during their future careers. As part of this initiative, on 1 August two important
News Updates
General news from the Friends of the South Downs
