Thursday 24 September 10:30 – 13:00

Distance: 3.4 miles

Start: East Dean Car Park, Village Green Lane, East Dean BN20 0DR

Ref: OL25 / TV557978

September 2026 is a landmark in the history of the Friends of the South Downs. As the Society of Sussex Downsmen, we launched a campaign to raise the funds necessary to purchase 475 acres of sheep-grazed chalk downland that was destined for development. The land under threat was the Crowlink Valley, now part of the Seven Sisters Country Park.

The campaign raised nearly £17,000 (£1.4 million today) in the required 28 days, consequently saving the landscape for the nation. Much of the money raised came from one man, William Charles Campbell, a wealthy philanthropist who led a fascinating life. A monument commemorating this remarkable event, and one man’s generosity, lies on Flagstaff Point, atop the Seven Sisters.

Please join in and celebrate this remarkable event in our history. During the coffee break at the Sarsen Stone, David will give a short talk about the campaign and the people involved.

Walk description: East Dean Village Hall car park, Flagstaff Brown, Sarsen Stone Monument, King Charles III England Coast Path, Gap Bottom, Crowlink, Hobb’s Eares, East Dean

Booking by email to: enquiries@friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk