Big milestone for biodiversity initiative

An ambitious goal to “renature” a huge swathe of land to help fight biodiversity loss is almost halfway to reaching its target.

Exactly three years ago the South Downs National Park set a goal of transforming 13,000 hectares – or over 20,000 football pitches – into habitat for wildlife by 2030.

A total of 6,082 hectares – an area bigger than Worthing or Portsmouth – has been created or improved to help nature thrive. The work has included planting almost 50,000 trees, transforming over 100 hectares of new wildflower rows, planting hedges, restoring ponds, and improving rare habitats such as chalk grassland and lowland heath.

It comes as our popular ReNature Festival, with a range of walks and talks, returns this month.

Find out more here.

See the programme for ReNature Festival and get involved!

New book reveals the fight for the South Downs

The extraordinary story of the campaign to create the South Downs National Park – and the people and characters behind it – have been brought together in a compelling book called The Fight for the South Downs, by Robin Crane.

Editing the book has been Margaret Paren, who served as the Authority’s Chair for almost a decade. Learn more here.

Experience the South Downs in a new way!

A brand-new film trailis being launched this summer, telling the intimate stories of local heroes and their connection to the South Downs National Park.

Ten “viewing posts” have been installed along the 100-mile South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne, each linked to a thought-provoking film that celebrates a person who makes a difference in the South Downs.

The new trail, which has its own map and guide, will be officially launched on Saturday, 27 July at a free family fun afternoon at One Garden Brighton, in Stanmer Park. Find out more here.

Renovations unveiled at iconic Seven Sisters

The latest phase in the £2m refurbishment of Seven Sisters Country Park is complete with the unveiling of brand-new visitor accommodation.

People will now be able to enjoy a holiday just a stone’s throw from the legendary white cliffs that have been used as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies.

The historic Foxhole Cottages, nestled in a stunning chalk grassland valley, have been sensitively restored into three charming holiday lets. Find out more here.

Boy goes extra mile to help reptiles

Meet Reuben Martin, who recently won the BBC’s Under-18 Springwatch Wildlife Hero Award for 2024. We caught up with 15-year-old Reuben, who lives in Shoreham, to find out about his volunteering work to help the reptiles and amphibiansof the National Park.

Best summer walks in Hampshire

Did you know a third of the National Park lies within historic Hampshire?

While the Sussex Downs are perhaps the most well-known and visited, Hampshire’s rolling hills, woods, heaths and river valleys have their own unique magic.

As we mark Hampshire Day this July, we’re sharing five great summer walks in this beautiful county.

Get involved in Local Plan Review

People can have their say on a review of the South Downs Local Plan and how they would like to be involved.

The adopted South Downs Local Plan, which gives a blueprint for all planning and development in the National Park, has to be reviewed by law to make sure it’s up to date and addresses important issues including nature recovery, climate change and supporting local communities to thrive.

Take part in survey

Exciting shortlist revealed for Design Awards

A public park makeover, café, eco-home, temple, and the restoration of a 570-year-old timber house are among the exciting mix of projects shortlisted for a prestigious South Downs Design Award.

More than 60 nominations were receivedacross Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex for the National Park’s award scheme that celebrates outstanding design, architecture and innovation.

Sixteen unique projectshave been shortlisted by judges and the public will get to vote for their favourite for an overall "People's Choice" Award.

Vote in The People's Choice

Win a high tea with stunning views!

How do you fancy enjoying a high tea – in every sense of the word at 350ft up in the sky?!

We’ve teamed up with Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower to offer an incredible prize in this month’s newsletter.

The iconic tower stands at a soaring 170 metres tall, offering awe-inspiring 23-mile views over Portsea Island, the Solent, the South Downs and the Isle of Wight.

The experience starts in the high-speed lift and in 30 seconds you step onto the viewing decks where Portsmouth, ‘the great waterfront city’ is showcased in all its glory.

These are unmissable sights, seen from a 350-degree panorama, and each sight with its own story.

Discover the rich history behind the view with informative touch screen displays and take in the sea air from the open ‘Sky Garden’.

For those brave enough, there’s a thrilling ‘Sky Walk’, 100 metres above sea level or the opportunity to abseil down the Tower!

Our newsletter prize is a high tea for two people in The Clouds Café, located on the second viewing deck. Elevate your afternoon with breathtaking views while indulging in delightful sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

If you wished to stay on (not included in prize), from 8pm The Clouds turns into Sky Bar – the perfect setting to drink in the view. Enjoy sunset, evening and night views while sipping a classic cocktail or the signature ‘Spinnaker Tower’.

People signing up to the newsletter during July will be automatically entered into the draw. Those who are already signed up can email “Macmillan Cancer Support” to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk before midnight on 31 July.

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