Three cheers for 15 years!

We’re marking the National Park’s 15th birthday by announcing a major upcoming consultation that will help decide future priorities.

Following decades of campaigning and public inquiries, the South Downs National Park finally came into being on 31 March, 2010 after first being mooted in the 1920s.

Fifteen years on, a great deal has been achieved for nature, climate and communities.

Yet there’s still so much more to be done to protect and enhance the landscape, as well as create opportunities for people to enjoy it, all while facing growing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water pollution and economic uncertainty.

A public consultation will run from June to August on a new draft Partnership Management Plan, which is an overarching plan setting out the goals for the National Park over the next five years. It will replace the current Partnership Management Plan. Learn more here.

Find out 15 achievements of the National Park

Vital repairs to improve access to iconic site

Access to one of the most sacred – and spookiest – spots on the South Downs has been improved in time for the spring.

Thanks to £25,000 funding from the British Mountaineering Council, 800m of pathway up to Chanctonbury Ring has been given a much-needed makeover. Find out more here.

Improvements unveiled at country park

New “citizen science” photo posts, wildlife ponds and improved habitats for birds are among the latest improvements at Seven Sisters Country Park.

Four years on since the National Park Authority began managing the 280-hectare site and investment continues to improve the iconic beauty spot for both nature and people.

One of the latest upgrades is the installation of three special photo posts. The aim of the posts is to help the National Park Authority create a detailed picture of how our work is changing Seven Sisters across the seasons. Find out more here.

Neurodiversity and nature's many benefits

Did you know that neurodiversity celebration week recently took place in March?

A growing part of our engagement and outreach work has been connecting with children, as well as adults, with neurodiversity. Find out more here.

Talented young photographers win prizes

A charming picture of two bickering black-headed gulls and an otherworldly image depicting solitude on the South Downs have won this year’s Youth Photo Competition. Learn more here.

Wildlife at night wins astrophotography contest

Thank you to everyone who voted in The People's Choice for the astrophotography competition. Congratulations to Peter Brooks, who has won £75 for this incredible photo, "Toad and Christmas Lights", which was taken at Exceat in East Sussex.

Toads are known for their strong homing instincts, meaning they return to the same breeding ponds year after year, even if it means crossing potentially dangerous roads.

Big fundraising week to help youngsters

Can you be part of something big to give more children the chance to experience the South Downs National Park?

Many children do not have access to green space and will never have experienced the joy and elation of seeing a wide-open landscape in a place like the South Downs National Park.

Through the South Downs National Park Trust, we’re determined to change this and enable more children enjoy the wonderful learning opportunities of the great outdoors.

The Green Match Fund campaign runs from 22 to 29 April and we’re looking to raise £10,000!

Every £1 donated during the week will be doubled, so save the date for your diary and do donate if you can!

Donate between 22 and 29 April to help children access nature

Win a day-out at Hinton Ampner!

With its bountiful bluebells, one of the most glorious places to visit in the South Downs during the spring is Hinton Ampner.

This quintessentially English country house, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Hampshire countryside, is set in a delightful 12-acre garden. The Regency-style house has 20^th-century interiors featuring former owner Sir Raph Dutton’s exquisite collection of ceramics and art. Outside, manicured lawns lead down to avenues of sculptured topiary and borders full of scent and colour.

One of the highlights of any visit is exploring the pretty Tudor walled kitchen garden, where much of the produce makes its way into delicious treats for Hinton’s visitors. It’s packed with flowers too, and espaliered fruit trees bearing tight clusters of pink and white buds.

If you stroll down to the long terrace behind the house you’ll discover a magnificent vista across parkland peppered with stunning veteran trees and, of course, the rolling South Downs.

Beyond the gardens is 1,600 acres of wider estate including glorious beech woodland filled with bluebells in late April. There are several downloadable walks to choose from.

There’s something new to enjoy every season. In early summer Hinton’s extensive rose collection bursts into bloom and the house is filled with floral displays. In late summer, exotic-looking dahlias pop up across the gardens, and in the autumn there’s even a pumpkin festival!

This Easter, until 21 April, the venue is running outdoor adventures, including a chance to collect your bunny ears and tackle fun challenges left by Bonnie the Bunny!

The National Park has teamed up with the National Trust to offer a one-day family pass. People signing up to the newsletter during April will be automatically entered into the draw to win the ticket. Those who are already signed up can email “bountiful bluebells” to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk before midnight on 30 April.

Sign up to the newsletter here and see competition T&Cs here.

Have your say on devolution proposals

The clock's ticking for people to have their say in Government’s public consultation on once-in-a-generation Devolution proposals for Hampshire and the Solent region.

Go online before 11.59pm on Sunday 13 April to give your feedback on the idea of having a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Hampshire and Solent region covering the local government areas of Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Isle of Wight Council, and Southampton City Council. Parts of these areas cover the National Park, including East Hampshire and Winchester, and some local authority areas have boundaries with the National Park.

Tell Government your views
Visit www.gov.uk/hampshire-and-the-solent-devolution

About Devolution
Devolution is about the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It is a process that enables more decisions to be made locally, closer to the residents and businesses affected, to help drive economic growth, innovation, and productivity.

The aim is to create the best possible future for the area's citizens and businesses, improving people’s quality of life and spearheading the UK's economic recovery in the coming years.

Everyone is encouraged to have their say in Government's consultation on this milestone opportunity for our region.

More information
Visit Hampshire County Council’s webpages: www.hants.gov.uk/devolution