Meet Siôn, the Authority's new CEO

Siôn McGeever is to become the new Chief Executive at the South Downs National Park Authority from the end of November.

Siôn brings 25 years of experience of working in environmental policy, international development and business. He has a lifelong love of the outdoors, is a keen outdoor swimmer and enjoys photographing wildlife and landscapes.

Our thanks go to Tim Slaney, who has skillfully and diligently led the Authority team during this interim period, and will resume his key position as Director of Planning later this year.

Find out more about Siôn's appointment.

Children will discover wonders of the Downs

Hundreds of schoolchildren from across the South East will be able to enjoy the wonders of the South Downs National Park thanks to a major funding boost.

The “Discover The Downs” initiative will get scores of children into the great outdoors, bringing exciting experiences to youngsters who don’t have easy access to National Parks. It comes as a new report shows anxiety is at a record high in children in the UK.

A wide body of research has shown that connecting with nature and learning outdoors can benefit children’s mental and physical health, including assisting brain development, increasing attainment, supporting social skills, and reducing anxiety.

Schools are now being invited to apply for funding. Find out more here.

Embrace autumn with all five senses!

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, autumn is the perfect time to experience the South Downs National Park through all five senses.

This season, let nature’s splendour envelop you in a multi-sensory adventure that deepens your connection to the landscape. Learn more here.

Discover the amazing heritage of the Downs

Whether it’s Iron Age forts, Norman castles, historic mills, Second World War defences, Viking burial mounds, or grand stately homes, the South Downs is a landscape oozing with history.

The incredible cultural heritage was one of the reasons for the designation of the National Park in 2010 and it’s the job of the National Park Authority to help conserve and enhance this heritage.

September is a good time to discover more about the heritage and culture of the South Downs as a number of venues open their doors for Heritage Open Days.

And the best part about it...it’s FREE!

The open days are part of a range of free experiences taking place across England and organised by thousands of volunteers. Find out more here about the open days.

Putting nature recovery into golf sector

Golf clubs across the South Downs National Park and beyond are coming together to help fight biodiversity loss.

With golf courses covering two per cent of England and a significant number of clubs in the South Downs, there’s tremendous potential for courses to become havens for wildlife, particularly bees and butterflies, as well as golfers.

A network of golf clubs has now been formed, with greenkeepers and club managers from across the region coming together to share knowledge and practical support. Find out more here.

"Rewiggled" stream becomes wetland oasis

Six hectares of much-needed wetland for wildlife has been created following the realignment of a rare chalk stream.

The restoration of the Cockshut Stream, near Lewes, has seen the area quickly become an oasis for nature, with herons, kingfishers, egret and snipe among the many birds to be found, while toads, sticklebacks, eels and newts can be spotted in the ponds. Find out more here.

Meet National Park's community climate champion!

While this summer has seen some very mixed conditions on the south coast of England, meteorologists say that 2024 is the warmest on the planet ever recorded.

There’s no doubt that our climate is becoming more unpredictable and taking positive climate action through nature-based solutions remains one of the National Park’s key priorities.

This month we chatwith Sara Osman, the National Park’s new Climate Officer, on the topic of climate change, what it means and how to get involved in climate action.

Win a trip to West Dean Gardens!

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs,West Dean Gardens is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today.

Though West Dean is mentioned in the Domesday book as a hunting ground, Richard Lewknor built the first significant house in the 1620s, next to the medieval village church. In 1738, Sir John Peachey acquired the West Dean estate.

It was then inherited by Sir James Peachey, a courtier and confidant of King George III, who made him Lord Selsey in 1794. A peerage required a grander house, so in the early 19th century architect James Wyatt designed a suite of grand rooms and tall towers to give West Dean the appearance of a castle, thereby creating one of the largest flint-faced buildings in the country.

Today visitors can explore the restored walled garden, working Victorian Glasshouses, 300ft pergola, and a spring garden with flint bridges. The circular 2½ mile arboretum walk, set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland, offers stunning views of the South Downs and a route passing the grave of Edward James, a poet who inherited the house and was a famous supporter of the surrealist art movement.

West Dean, near Chichester, also runs a year-round programme of creative short courses offering you the opportunity to learn a new skill in beautiful inspirational surroundings. There is a bumper line-up of short courses this autumn, covering everything from autumnal botanical painting to tips on growing apples.

The National Park has teamed up with West Dean to offer two Garden Escape vouchers, with each voucher covering garden entry for two people and a cream tea. The voucher can be used for single use up until September 2025.

People signing up to the newsletter during September will be automatically entered into the draw. Those who are already signed up can email “St Roche's Arboretum” to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk before midnight on 30 September.

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

The winners of the hotly-anticipated South Downs Design Awards will be announced next month! Here's a snapshot of the shortlisted entries that showcase outstanding architecture and design. What's your favourite? Cast your vote, but be quick as voting closes at midnight on 12 September!