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. To that end we are helping to finance nature recovery projects. We are supporting a Hampshire Wildlife Trust project at Noar Hill and our District Officers keep an eye on planning applications and issues in their parishes. We are also supporting a Sussex Wildlife Trust project at Ebernoe Common and a couple of citizen science projects on water quality.
We offer volunteering opportunities to all our members, who support a huge array of projects to help improve access and preserve the landscape of the South Downs for the enjoyment of everyone, for future generations. For example, our Area Access Officers help us ensure that our footpaths and bridleways remain open and accessible across whole of the National Park.
Some of our current projects
Ebernoe Wildlands Habitat Management with the Sussex Wildlife Trust
The Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a site at Butcherlands, just to the north of Petworth and within the National Park. This site, which adjoins Ebernoe Common, has historically had one of the highest nightingale populations in the country. The SWT are looking to enhance the nightingale habitat at the site. Friends of the South Downs have approved a contribution to support managed clearing of the nightingale territories over the next few years. The SWT wants to avoid changing the site habitat too quickly lest it might drive the nightingales away. It is a case of optimising the existing habitat to support and encourage the existing population.
Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunities with Western Sussex Rivers Trust
We have formed an exciting project with WSRT offering members the chance to sign up as volunteers to help test water quality of rivers in the catchment. The project provides data for analysis and subsequent action, such as outfall monitoring, riverfly monitoring, and invasive species control.
Restoring Access
Improvements to the surface of the South Downs Way. The society provided funding to refurbish a 1km badly worn part of the South Downs Way near Plumpton. See our Projects & Impact page for more details.
Explorers of the South Downs
Schools Without Walls (So Sussex) delivered the Explorers of the South Downs project in 2025, with the aim of supporting children and young people from disadvantaged areas. This included those with high levels of pupil premium funding and/or special educational needs, to explore and connect with the South Downs and surrounding areas
Friends of the South Downs funded the project which gave 920 children and young people the opportunity to experience the beauty, heritage and biodiversity of the South Downs through hands-on, outdoor learning days. Each day was tailored to the interests, abilities and needs of the participating group, ensuring inclusive and engaging experiences for all. Many of the children and young people had never visited these areas before, making these days both educational and transformative.
Log Benches
After feedback from our members about the lack of anywhere to rest or eat their lunch along the South Downs Way, we have negotiated with the National Park Authority to allow us to place benches at various points. We are working with local landowners and the National Trust to find locations. Benches will be rustic in style and made of locally sourced oak by a chain saw sculptor. Each bench is being carefully designed and sited to blend in with the surroundings and will feature a small hidden creature or plant native to the Downs.
Citizen Science Project with the Western Sussex Rivers Trust
Who can’t be aware that our rivers are in trouble? The pressures on UK rivers include pollution from agriculture and industry, wastewater, urban runoff, historic mine drainage, as well as the impacts of climate change, over-abstraction and invasive non-native species.
Friends of the South Downs were approached by Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT) for financial support to help with a Citizen Science project they are running. The WSRT works closely with partners across their catchment area to improve river health, enabling the wildlife that lives there to thrive. FSD are contributing £10,000 towards the salary of a Volunteer and Citizen Science Co-ordinator at WSRT. Members of FSD are encouraged to get invovled with this project. Read more here.
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.