Working with children and young people
The Friends are investing heavily in helping children to get to know and appreciate the 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.
We have run three projects, funded by the national Lottery Heritage Fund, to help primary school children learn about Downland landscape, wildlife, literature and other culture. Further details are available on these websites.
No child left behind is a collaboration with the Youth Hostels Association. Classes of primary schools children stay overnight at a South Downs youth hostel and experience the beauty of the Downs by day and by night.
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.
We have recently invited young people aged 18-30 to join the Friends as members, free of charge.
We are running another project called Explorers of the South Downs which has enabled over 2,000 children to have a day out on the Downs to learn about what makes them special.
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.