FREE Win a Stansted Park Farm Shop hamper worth £50 On page 11
SHARING STORIES FROM BRITAIN’S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK SOUTHDOWNS VIEW AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
MINI ADVENTURES BY DARK SKIES FESTIVAL DEFENDING THE MONTH Page 16 Page 4–5 DOWNS Page 14 © SDNPA © Bruce Middleton © SDNPA © greenglowphotography.com
Sign up for the South Downs monthly newsletter at southdowns.gov.uk/newsletter 2 SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk see some fun suggestions for mini adventures by month in the South CONTENTS Downs. RANGER DIARY...... 3 WELCOME... With lots of other interesting STARGAZING SOUTH DOWNS articles and beautiful photos I hope EVENT...... 4 To the South Downs National Park. you enjoy this edition of South SOUTH DOWNS DARK SKIES Downs View. FESTIVAL...... 5 The colder and wetter seasons bring Autumn and winter also provide To keep up to date on South Downs news throughout the year, 2018 EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER.....6 a new look to the National Park some of the best skies for stargazing with woodlands turning orange and in February our popular two sign up for our monthly newsletter WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO and burgundy, crystal clear rivers week Dark Skies Festival returns. at southdowns.gov.uk/ DO IN THE SOUTH DOWNS join-the-newsletter or follow NATIONAL PARK...... 8 filling to the brim and the top of This year we will be taking our the undulating downland slopes Stargazing South Downs events on us on Twitter, Facebook and MEET THE FARMER THROUGH Instagram. YOUR SMART PHONE...... 10 receiving a dusting of white. A new tour to venues around Sussex and season can bring a whole new feel Hampshire. See pages 4–5 for more LOVELY AND LOCAL...... 11 to your normal South Downs stroll. details. INVESTING IN COMMUNITY With 3,300 km of rights of way there As well as the usual event HEROES...... 12 is a multitude of routes, ancient pages, in the centre pages of this WHY CHAINSAWS AND drove ways and well-worn paths newspaper you’ll find a map of the BONFIRES?...... 13 to explore on foot, by bike or on whole National Park with lots of DEFENDING THE DOWNS...... 14 horseback. ideas for places to visit and great TRY GEOCACHING...... 15 opportunities for adventures over the next few months. If you need more MINI ADVENTURES BY MONTH...... 16 Charlie Hellewell inspiration, on the back page you’ll Editor FIRST PRIZE ENTER OUR PHOTO JOIN THE SOUTH DOWNS NEWSLETTER COMPETITION 2018 Want to know more about of our rangers and volunteers and £250 Spring, summer, autumn, Theme: what is happening in your much, much more... ‘perfectly winter – every season in the National Park? www.southdowns.gov.uk/ seasoned’ South Downs has something to Sign up for our monthly newsletter join-the-newsletter/ offer. for the latest South Downs news, But our judges are looking for stories, ideas for days out, something different. Can you impress competitions, to hear about the work them with a fresh perspective on the changing seasons in the National Park? INFORMATION Horsham Visitor Information Centre First prize is £250, second prize is visithorsham.co.uk £150 and third prize is £50. POINTS 01403 597474 Lewes Tourist Information Centre The competition closes at midday on Aldershot Visitor Information Centre Friday, 19 October 2018. staylewes.org visit-hampshire.co.uk 01273 483448 Visit southdowns.gov.uk/ 01252 320968 Littlehampton Tourist Information photo-competition-2018 for full Arundel Visitor Information Point Centre terms and conditions. arundel.org.uk 2017 Competition winner for ‘Growing lookandsea.co.uk Places’: ‘Harvest Home’ by Ron De’Ath. 01903 885866 01903 718984 Bognor Regis Visitor Information Petersfield Town Visitor Centre Point visitpetersfield.com THE SOUTH DOWNS CENTRE sussexbythesea.com 01730 268829 Brighton Tourist Information Point Seaford Tourist Information Centre The home of the National Park South Downs Centre, visitbrighton.com Authority, the South Downs Centre Midhurst seafordtown.co.uk 01273 290337 in Midhurst is also a community GU29 9DH 01323 897426 hub, avisitor information centre, an 01730 814810 Burgess Hill Tourist Information Worthing Visitor Information Centre exhibition about the National Park Centre discoverworthing.uk burgesshill.gov.uk/leisuretourism and a green conference centre. OPENING HOURS 01903 221066 Monday to Thursday: 01444 238202 Winchester City Mill and Shop 09:00–17:00 Chichester Tourist Information Centre visitwinchester.co.uk/winchester-city- Friday: 09:00–16:30 visitchichester.org mill-shop Saturday & Bank Holidays: 01243 775888 (Easter to end of October 01962 870057 Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre only): 09:00–13:00 Winchester Tourist Information Centre visiteastbourne.com visitwinchester.co.uk 01323 415415 southdowns.gov.uk 01962 840500 Haslemere Visitor Information Centre haslemere.com/vic 01428 645425 © SDNPA/Anne-Katrin Purkiss © SDNPA/Anne-Katrin
THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK southdowns.gov.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 3 RANGER DIARY TOM PARRY, LEAD RANGER, CENTRAL DOWNS © SDNPA/Tom Parry © SDNPA/Tom © Helen Kirklees © SDNPA © Anne Katrin Purkiss © Anne Katrin
Meet Tom Parry, Lead Early start Next over to Steyning After a quick today, meeting a Downland Scheme lunch, it’s off to Ranger for the Central 8:00 9:00 14:00 landowner needing advice where cattle have been South Downs headquarters in Downs area of the about managing an area of grazing some species-rich chalk Midhurst for a catch-up with National Park. Although chalk grassland. We agree a few grassland to keep invasive conservation organisations, tweaks to the grazing regime and species like tor grass, bramble farmers, landowners no two days are ever then identify some areas of scrub to and scrub at bay. These four- and other National Park the same, here’s a rough clear with the South Downs Volunteer legged conservation machines have colleagues. We are developing a idea of a typical day. Ranger Service in the near future. done a great job, but it’s time to move joint project to increase landscape Then we discuss the work which will them onto the next area of chalk corridors for bees and other soon start on a new easy access grassland. After a bit of a fuss and a pollinators across one of the farm trail that the landowner has agreed lot of moo-ing, they finally load into clusters in the National Park. to have across their land, creating the trailer and are driven to the next a circular accessible ‘Miles without site, leaping out at the thought of fresh Stiles’ route. vegetation and a new area to explore!
The Award isn’t competitive but NEXT should challenge each participant GENERATION and encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural OF RANGERS environment, in a spirit of fun, ‘In every walk with Nature one adventure and exploration. receives far more than he seeks’ The South Downs National Park – John Muir is a fantastic place to complete Do you like being outside in the your award and there are a wide fresh air? Do you like discovering variety of opportunities to take part new places? Do you want to help as a group, individual or family. © SDNPA Parry © Tom look after the wildlife and beauty of What does it involve? the South Downs? If the answer is Four Challenges are at the heart I swap the Land Catch up with the yes to any of these questions then the of each John Muir Award. Each 16:00 rover for our 17:00 team back at the John Muir Award could be for you! participant must: new events van and load it office and go over the day’s The John Muir Award is a Discover a wild place up for an event at Lancing emails. Just time to swing by the national environmental award Explore its wildness Ring the following day. We South Downs Way at Chanctonbury, that encourages people of all Conserve – take personal will be promoting our Take the to check a gate no longer closing backgrounds responsibility Lead responsible dog ownership properly, potentially leaving a to connect Share experiences campaign and the conservation work farmer’s livestock vulnerable to with, enjoy we do with local community group, escape. After a few adjustments and care for How to Get Involved the Friends of Lancing Ring, and with a trusty spanner and a wild places Everyone, whatever age, can Adur and Worthing Council. liberal application of grease, through a take part so visit learning. the gate is closing smoothly structured southdowns.gov.uk/ of its own accord! Then it’s off yet learning/john-muir-award/
home, ready for the next day’s SDNPA/A.Purkiss © adaptable for details. adventure! scheme.
SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 4 SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk STARGAZING SOUTH DOWNS EVENT UR! TO This year our N increasingly popular O ‘Stargazing South Downs’ event will be going on tour around the South Downs National Park during February half term week. With its indoor planetarium shows, talks on nocturnal wildlife, family activities, astronaut selfie booth and the opportunity to go outdoors and stargaze with the experts if the night is clear, the event has something for all ages and interests This year we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with talks and activities about our mysterious neighbour and a chance to dress as an astronaut against the backdrop of the moon’s surface. The Stargazing South Downs Roadshow will start in Midhurst on Saturday 16 February and then be transported to venues in East Sussex and Hampshire during half term week – check our website to find out when it’s in your area. southdowns.gov.uk/ stargazingontour
© SDNPA © SDNPA © © SDNPA
THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK southdowns.gov.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 5
SOUTHSOUTH DOWNSDOWNS © SDNPA UR! DARK SKIES TO DARK SKIES ON FESTIVALFESTIVAL 15 February-3 March 2019
The Dark Skies festival is now in its third year and once again there will be talks, activities and star parties taking place across the length and breadth of the South Downs. Visit southdowns.gov. uk/darkskiesfestival
As well as events and activities we will be inviting guest bloggers, scientists and naturalists to post stories and experiences on our website and social media, so if you would like to be part of our two week celebration of the glorious dark night skies we enjoy in the South Downs and want to plan an event, or contribute a piece for our website please get in touch with us at [email protected]
SHOP ONLINE AND EMBRACE THE DARKNESS
© SDNPA Embrace the darkness and show your support for the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve! All profits go to the South Downs National Park Trust.
Visit southdowns.teemill.co.uk © SDNPA
SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 6 SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk 2018 EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER
SEPTEMBER 21 OCTOBER Wild in the Woods Family Festival BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG WALKER WATCH OUR LATEST 13 SEPTEMBER RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, Heritage Open Day CANINE CONFESSION RH20 2EL Gilbert White & the Oates Collections, Selborne, GU34 3JH FILMS rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/events TAKE THE LEAD 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] 01420 511275 FREE ADMISSION southdowns.gov.uk/takethelead Tickets: £5 Child/£4 RSPB members + normal nature trail entry fee 14–16 SEPTEMBER Inspired by Nature creative weekend with Alexandra KEEP YOUR DOG ON THE LEAD 21 OCTOBER Harris NEAR LIVESTOCK Autumn Industrial Trains RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, DO NOT ENTER MILITARY LAND Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, West RH20 2EL WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING Sussex, BN18 9LT2 rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks amberleymuseum.co.uk 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] STICK TO THE PATH TO AVOID 01798 831370 Tickets: Adults £12.50, Child £7 GROUND NESTING BIRDS Tickets: £400/£320 RSPB members 21 OCTOBER BAG AND BIN YOUR DOG POO 15 SEPTEMBER Seven Sisters Archaeology walk Heritage Open Day – ANY BIN WILL DO National Trust Birling Gap, East Sussx. BN20 0AB National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, East Sussex. BN26 5TL nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/whats-on nationaltrust.org.uk/alfriston-clergy-house/whats-on 01323 423197 Tickets: £4 01323 871961 FREE ADMISSION 22–26 OCTOBER 15 SEPTEMBER Hallowe’en Half Term Activities Big beach clean with Marine Conservation Society Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU National Trust Birling Gap, East Sussx. BN20 0AB wealddown.co.uk/whats-on nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/whats-on 01243 811363 Tickets: £14 Adults. £6.50 Child. 01323 423197 FREE ADMISSION 23 OCTOBER 15 SEPTEMBER Wild families – Mousehunt! West Grinstead Ploughing Match & Show RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, Priors Byne Farm, Partridge Green RH20 2EL westgrinsteadploughing.co.uk/ 28 SEPTEMBER 9 OCTOBER rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks Mead and Moonlight evening Birding for beginners – new arrivals 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] 15–16 SEPTEMBER Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, Tickets: £7/£5.60 RSPB members Fernhurst Furnace butserancientfarm.co.uk RH20 2EL Fernhurst GU27 3NJ (follow signage) 02392 598838 Tickets: £20 (booking essential) rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks fernhurstfurnace.co.uk/events.html FREE ADMISSION 29 SEPTEMBER 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] 15–16 SEPTEMBER Autumn foraging and wild medicine walk Tickets: £15/£12 RSPB members Open Garden – Dovecote Garden, West Dean Seaford National Trust Harting Down, Nr South Harting, West Sussex 13 OCTOBER Dovecote Garden, Seaford BN25 4AL nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside/whats-on Meet the Lace-Makers dovecotegarden.co.uk 01730 816638 Tickets: £20 Booking essential Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton, Hants GU34 1SD [email protected] FREE ADMISSION 30 SEPTEMBER jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/whats-on 19 SEPTEMBER 2018 Haust – Autumn celebration 01420 83262 Admission Autumn Night Skies in the South Downs Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG 13 OCTOBER South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8AE butserancientfarm.co.uk Talk: Jane Austen, Wartime Novelist with Prof www.southdownssociety.org.uk 02392 598838 Admission Kathryn Sutherland [email protected] Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton, Hants GU34 1SD £8 including tea/coffee, booking essential Tickets: OCTOBER jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/whats-on 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 01420 83262 Tickets: £10 + booking fee (excludes Astronomy course 6 OCTOBER Museum admission) Gilbert White & the Oates Collections, Selborne, GU34 3JH Apple Day at Monk’s House 14 OCTOBER www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/events/ National Trust Monk’s House, Rodmell, near Lewes. BN7 3HF Classic Land Rover Day 01420 511275 Tickets: £100, Booking essential, nationaltrust.org.uk/monks-house/whats-on Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, West (10 weeks every Thurs, 8pm) 01273 474760 Admission Sussex, BN18 9LT 20 SEPTEMBER 6–7 OCTOBER amberleymuseum.co.uk FREE TALK: Saxon Skills & Warfare Autumn Countryside Show 01798 831370 Tickets: Adults £12.50, Child £7 Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Hants PO8 0BG Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU 14 OCTOBER butserancientfarm.co.uk wealddown.co.uk/whats-on BIGGEST ever Bonkers for Conkers Championship 02392 598838 FREE ADMISSION @19:30 01243 811363 Tickets: Adults £14, Child £6.50 Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, West Sussex GU28 9BU 20 SEPTEMBER 7 OCTOBER langhambrewery.co.uk Hedgehogs in the Linescape – talk 7.30pm Fantastic Fungi 01798 860861 FREE ADMISSION, Gilbert White & the Oates Collections, Selborne, GU34 3JH RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, Charity donations welcome gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/events RH20 2EL 19 OCTOBER 01420 511275 Tickets: £10 rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks Samhain festival 22 AND 22 SEPTEMBER 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG Parham Autumn Fair Tickets: £15/£12 RSPB members butserancientfarm.co.uk Parham House & Gardens Pulborough RH20 4HS 7 OCTOBER 02392 598838 Tickets: £15 (booking essential) parhaminsussex.co.uk Autumn Historic Transport Gathering 40th 19 OCTOBER 01903 742 021 Tickets: Adults £11, Child £6 Anniversary Event The Devil’s Dyke fungi hunt part 1 – Newtimber Hill © SDNPA 23 SEPTEMBER Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, West National Trust Devil’s Dyke, West Sussex. BN1 8YJ 14 October Rise of Northwood 5th anniversary walk Sussex, BN18 9LT nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/whats-on National Trust Slindon, Top Rd, Arundel BN18 0RG amberleymuseum.co.uk 01273 857981 Tickets: Booking essential, £12 per person BIGGEST EVER BONKERS FOR nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/whats-on 01798 831370 Tickets: Adults £12.50, Child £7 CONKERS CHAMPIONSHIP 01273 814730 FREE ADMISSION 7 OCTOBER 20 OCTOBER The much-loved, well-supported annual 23 SEPTEMBER Apples in the Orchard Slindon apple pressing day conker competition celebrates its 11th Bus Show and Running Day Parham House & Gardens Pulborough RH20 4HS National Trust Slindon, Top Rd, Arundel BN18 0RG birthday this year. Join them at their Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, West parhaminsussex.co.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/whats-on beautiful ‘brewery in a barn’ on the Sussex, BN18 9LT 01903 742 021 Tickets: Adults £14, Child £6 1274 814730 FREE ADMISSION Cowdray Estate amberleymuseum.co.uk 7 OCTOBER 20–28 OCTOBER Where: Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, 01798 831370 Tickets: Adults £12.50, Child £7 Applefest at Alfriston Boo at the zoo! West Sussex GU28 9BU 23 SEPTEMBER National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, East Sussex. BN26 5TL Marwell Zoo, Winchester, Hants SO21 1JH Apple Day nationaltrust.org.uk/alfriston-clergy-house/whats-on marwell.org.uk/zoo/event/44/boo-at-the-zoo Time: 09:30 – 16:00 Stanmer House and Park, BN1 9QA 01323 871961 Admission 01962 777407 Admission – Please see website for prices. Cost: FREE ADMISSION brightonpermaculture.org.uk/courses/appleday 7 OCTOBER 20 – 28 OCTOBER Booking: Just turn up 01273 680400 Tickets: Free (parking £10 donation) Classic Car Show Halloween family trail Langhambrewery.co.uk 29–30 SEPTEMBER Stanmer House and Park, BN1 9QA National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, East Sussex. BN26 5TL Rural Life Weekend: Home stanmerhouse.co.uk/events/event-classic-cars nationaltrust.org.uk/alfriston-clergy-house/whats-on Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU 01273 680400 FREE ADMISSION 01323 871961 Admission wealddown.co.uk/whats-on 01243 811363 Tickets: Adults £14, Child £6.50 THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK southdowns.gov.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 7
24 OCTOBER 12, 19 & 26 NOVEMBER 17 –21 DECEMBER Spooky Storytelling Special opening guided tours Christmas wreath making at Saddlescombe Farm Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate National Trust Devil’s Dyke, Devil’s Dyke Road, West Sussex, butserancientfarm.co.uk BN26 5TL Brighton BN1 8YJ 02392 598838 Admission National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate, nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/whats-on 24 OCTOBER East Sussex BN26 5TL 1276 857981 Tickets: Adults £12, Child £6 booking Wild families – Pondemonium nationaltrust.org.uk/alfriston-clergy-house/whats-on essential + parking (NT members park free) RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, 1325 871961 Admission 26–27 DECEMBER RH20 2EL 21 NOVEMBER Christmas at the Museum rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks ‘In Roman footsteps’ walk Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] Start at Forestry Commision, Eartham Wood car park, West Sussex wealddown.co.uk/whats-on Tickets: £3 Child/£2.40 for RSPB members + normal nature trail PO18 0NA 01243 811363 Tickets: Adults £14, Child £6.50 entry fee nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/whats-on 27 DECEMBER
26–27 OCTOBER 01243 814730 Tickets: £15 booking essential © Aarón Blanco Tejedor Festive Walk Museum At Night Story Walk 23–25 NOVEMBER National Trust Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0LA Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU Christmas Market 19 January 2019 nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner/whats-on wealddown.co.uk/whats-on Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU WASSAILING 0344 2491895 Tickets: £12 including refreshments, 01243 811363 Tickets: £25 (over 16s only) wealddown.co.uk/whats-on As tempting as it is to batten down the booking essential 26 OCTOBER 01243 811363 Tickets: Adults £10, Child/disable £0 hatches in January and stay warm inside, Museums at Night: ‘after dark tour’ 24–25 NOVEMBER it’s good for the soul to venture out, even JANUARY Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG Wild winter weekend if it is in the dark. butserancientfarm.co.uk RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, “Wassailing” is an old Anglo-Saxon 1 JANUARY 02392 598838 Tickets: £15 booking essential RH20 2EL New Year’s Day Walk 2019 tradition meaning “be well” where rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks National Trust Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0LA 26 OCTOBER locals would toast each other’s health. The Devil’s Dyke fungi hunt part 2 – Wolstonbury Hill 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner/whats-on National Trust Devil’s Dyke, West Sussex. BN1 8YJ FREE ADMISSION + £5 for guided walk. In the 17th century this was extended to 0344 2491895 Tickets: £12 including refreshments, nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/whats-on 27 NOVEMBER drinking to the health of their orchards, booking essential 01273 857981 Tickets: £12 booking essential Gilbert White’s 18th Century Garden singing and dancing to awaken the trees 19 JANUARY 26–27 OCTOBER Gilbert White & the Oates Collections, Selborne, GU34 3JH from their winter slumber and drive out Wassailing Wild families – Halloween Hootenanny gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/events any evil spirits lurking within to ensure Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton, Chichester PO18 0EU RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, 01420 511275 Tickets: £40 a good harvest. The Wassailing ritual RH20 2EL wealddown.co.uk/whats-on/ continues to this day usually involving rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks DECEMBER 19–20 JANUARY 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] mulled cider made from last year’s Big Garden Birdwatch – the big build up Tickets: £5 Child/£4 RSPB members + 15 DECEMBER harvest. The cider is poured over the RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, normal nature trail entry fee Father Christmas at Stanmer roots of the trees, which are wished ‘waes RH20 2EL 27 OCTOBER Stanmer House BN1 9QA hael’ with much singing, dancing and rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks Phantasmagoria Halloween Mansion Party stanmerhouse.co.uk/christmas/ banging on pots and pans to drive out 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] Stanmer House BN1 9QA 01273 680400 FREE ADMISSION the spirits. Tickets: £5 Child/£4 RSPB members + normal nature trail entry fee stanmerhouse.co.uk/events 17 NOVEMBER–24 DECEMBER Where: Weald and Downland Living 01273 680400 Tickets: From £20 Christmas at Marwell Museum, Singleton, Chichester 22 JANUARY 27 OCTOBER Marwell Zoo, Winchester, Hants SO21 1JH Birding for beginners – winter guests Halloween pumpkin carving marwell.org.uk/zoo/event/45/christmas-at-marwell PO18 0EU RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, National Trust Devil’s Dyke, Devil’s Dyke Road, West Sussex, 01962 777407 Tickets: Christmas at Marwell ticket r wealddown.co.uk/whats-on/ RH20 2EL Brighton BN1 8YJ required – Please see websites for prices. rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/whats-on 1 DECEMBER 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] 1275 857981 Tickets: Child £8 booking essential + Steyning Museum ‘Victorian Christmas’ 14 DECEMBER Tickets: £15/£12 RSPB members parking (NT members park free) Steyning Centre, Fletchers Croft, Steyning BN44 3XZ Tales of Winter Magic steyningmuseum.org.uk Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG FEBRUARY NOVEMBER 01903 813333 Tickets: Adults £6.50, Child £3 butserancientfarm.co.uk (including teas and mince pies) 02392 598838 Tickets: Adults £15, Child £8/Under fives 2 FEBRUARY 3 NOVEMBER 1–2 DECEMBER free/£40 two Adults & two children. (booking essential) Imbolc Festival Deer rut walk at Harting Down Mulled Wine Weekend 15 DECEMBER Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG National Trust Woolbeding Countryside, West Sussex GU29 9RR Gilbert White & the Oates Collections, Selborne, GU34 3JH Christmas decoration making butserancientfarm.co.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside/whats-on gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/events National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, East Sussex. BN26 5TL 02392 598838 Tickets: £15 (booking essential) 01730 816638 Tickets: £3 01420 511275 FREE ADMISSION nationaltrust.org.uk/alfriston-clergy-house/whats-on 16 FEBRUARY 4 NOVEMBER 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 21–23 DECEMBER 01323 871961 Tickets: Admission + £2 Stargazing South Downs Guy Fawkes Family Activity Day Meet Green Father Christmas 16 DECEMBER Midhurst Rother College, Midhurst GU29 9DT Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU Alder Valley Brass Band southdowns.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival wealddown.co.uk/whats-on wealddown.co.uk/whats-on National Trust Uppark House & Garden, South Harting, Petersfield 01739 814810 FREE ADMISSION 01243 811363 Tickets: Adults £14, Child £6.50 01243 811363 Tickets: Adults £5, Child £10 GU31 5QR 22 FEBRUARY 4 NOVEMBER 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 DEC nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden/whats-on Stargazing evening with Hantsastro Photography workshop for Adultss – autumn colours Christmas through the ages 1731 825415 Admission Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire PO8 0BG and landscapes National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, East Sussex. BN26 5TL butserancientfarm.co.uk RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, nationaltrust.org.uk/alfriston-clergy-house/whats-on 02392 598838 Tickets: £5 (booking essential) RH20 2EL 01323 871961 Admission rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks 1–24 DECEMBER 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] Christmas at Hinton Tickets: £50/£40 RSPB members National Trust Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0LA 5–9 NOVEMBER nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner/whats-on Sustainable Woodland Management 01962 771305 Admission Sustainability Centre, East Meon, GU32 1HR 1–31 DECEMBER sustainability-centre.org/Adults-courses.html Christmas Trail 01730 823166 Tickets: £495 National Trust Uppark House & Garden, South Harting, Petersfield 9 NOVEMBER GU31 5QR Stargazing party! nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden/whats-on RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, 01730 825415 Admission + £1 per trail RH20 2EL 2 DECEMBER rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks Tree Dressing 01798 875851 or email: [email protected] Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU Tickets: £5/£4 RSPB members wealddown.co.uk/whats-on 10 NOVEMBER 01243 811363 Tickets: Adults £14, Child £6.50
Steyning Museum Armistice Lunch 5 DECEMBER © SDNPA/A.Purkiss Penfold Hall Steyning, W Sussex BN44 3YB Christmas wreath making steyningmuseum.org.uk National Trust Birling Gap, Birling Gap, East Dean, East Sussex BN20 15 February – 3 March 01903 813333 Tickets: £5 (including soup lunch) 0AB DARK SKIES FESTIVAL 2019 nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/whats-on Over two weeks of cosmic fun with star parties, talks and family activities taking place 01323 423197 Tickets: £20 Booking essential + parking across the South Downs National Park celebrating our wonderful dark night skies. (NT members park free) Please note that some events are weather dependent, please check our website and social media before travelling. southdowns.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival SOUTH DOWNS VIEW SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk 8 BASINGSTOKE ALDERSHOT M3 DORKING WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN THE SOUTHGUILDFOR D DOWNS NATIONAL PARK With its rolling hills, majestic woods, crystal clear rivers, stunning cliffs, ‘picture perfect’ villages and heavenly heathland the South Downs National Park has something for everyone. Whether you’re into sampling new foods, discovering new paths or finding that adrenaline kick, the South Downs is the place for you.
Experience the new visitor centre at Gilbert White’s House, Selborne
Enjoy the heathland at its best on Iping Common
Walk or ride the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne
View to Old Winchester Hill, Hampshire East Meon, Hampshire Little Butser , Hampshire Arundel Castle,We st Sussex Cissbury Ring, West Sussex View from Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex Seven Sisters, East Sussex Cycle from Chichester to West Dean along
© Gilbert White House the Centurion Way M23 Lingfield Bentley Wrecclesham Godalming Charlwood Smallfield Milford © SDNPA Cranleigh ALTON Alice Holt
© SDNPA/Sam Moore © SDNPA/Sam Binsted p g a CRAWLEY EAST Four GRINSTEAD Marks Hindhead A26 A31Chawton Bordon M3 New M23 WINCHESTER Alresford Selborne Haslemere A22 A31 Liphook Crowborough Selborne A325 Itchen Black Down A23 Monkwood Common Horsham Abbas Northchapel A31 ange A264 A272 a Liss Fernhurst St. Catherine’s Hill Wisborough A26 River Itchen Milland Green A22 PETERSFIELD Billingshurst Cuckfield
West Meon River Rother Woolbeding Twyford East Meon e pen 2 A29 Haywards A265 M3 Beacon Hilll Iping Common Common A27 A272 a Heath A272 A272 Upham Butser Hill Buriton Old A272 MIDHURST Petworth Burgess Uckfield A32 Winchester South Harting A28 n 3 Heathfield Eastleigh Bishopstoke Hill p g a Pulborough n Hill Droxford Hurstpierpoint A22 Bishop’s Harting Down Cocking A27 River Meon Waltham Queen Elizabeth 9 Henfield e n Country Park 5 A2 A28 5 6 a e a Hambledon Heyshott Down Hassocks A267 Storrington 1 A2 Shirrell A28 Singleton A283Steyning A2 Ditchling Heath Rowlands Castle 3 Bignor Hill Fulking Ringmer A27 SOUTHAMPTON Ditchling e A2 ) Kingley Vale Goodwood ry Beacon a Amberley 4 Wickham A28 Chanctonbury Country Park LEWES 5 a n a 9 River Arun Ring A2 Devil’s Dyke 4 Falmer Glynde Hailsham A3(M A28 Findon Explore the 10 mile long Meon Valley Trail Lavant gn Berwick Cissbury Ring A2 3 en n Arundel 7 M27 A Havant River Adur Mill Hill River Ouse A22 a 7 A27 A2 A22 Firle Beacon FAREHAM Long Man Southease Alfriston Discover the Iron Age at Butser Ancient CHICHESTER Barnham BRIGHTON & HOVE g e of Wilmington Farm a Cuckmere River WORTHING Rottingdean A259 LITTLEHAMPTON
© SDNPA EASTBOURNE A25 GOSPORT N Newhaven 9 Find the Milky Way at one of our Dark Sky Walk BOGNORamong the ancient REGIS yews at Kingley Seaford Discovery Sites – ButserPOR HillTSMOUTH Vale 0 1100 kkmm Seven Sisters East Dean ENGLISH CHANNE L Country Park Beachy Head © SDNPA
© SDNPA © James Giles THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK southdowns.gov.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 BASINGSTOKE 9 ALDERSHOT M3 DORKING WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN THE SOUTHGUILDFOR D DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
South Downs National Park Boundary Railway stations South Downs Way Countryside sites South Downs Way Footpath Only Settlement
Multi-user routes Information Points (contact details on page 2) Planned cycle routes No cycling Railway Dark Skies Discovery Sites National Cycle Network routes Viewpoints
View to Old Winchester Hill, Hampshire East Meon, Hampshire Little Butser , Hampshire Arundel Castle,We st Sussex Cissbury Ring, West Sussex View from Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex Seven Sisters, East Sussex Cycle from Chichester to West Dean along the Centurion Way M23 Lingfield Bentley Wrecclesham Godalming Charlwood Smallfield Milford Cranleigh ALTON Alice Holt Cycle the Downs Link and part of the Binsted p g South Downs Way near the River Adur a CRAWLEY EAST Four GRINSTEAD Marks
Hindhead © SDNPA A26 A31Chawton Bordon M3 New M23 WINCHESTER Alresford Selborne Haslemere A22 A31 Liphook Spot some migrant birds at RSPB Crowborough Selborne A325 Itchen Common Black Down Pulborough Brooks A23 Monkwood Horsham © SDNPA Abbas Northchapel A31 ange A264 A272 a Liss Fernhurst St. Catherine’s Hill Wisborough Visit the first National Trust property – A26 River Itchen Milland Green Alfriston Clergy house A22 PETERSFIELD Billingshurst Cuckfield
West Meon River Rother Twyford East Meon Woolbeding e pen Haywards Look down on the Cuckmere valleyA265 from 2 A29 © SDNPA M3 Beacon Hilll Iping Common Common A27 High and Over A272 a Heath A272 A272 Upham Butser Hill Buriton Old A272 MIDHURST Petworth Burgess Uckfield A32 Winchester South Harting A28 n 3 Heathfield Eastleigh Bishopstoke Hill p g a Pulborough n Hill Droxford Hurstpierpoint images © National Trust A22 Bishop’s Harting Down Cocking A27 River Meon Waltham Queen Elizabeth 9 Henfield e n Country Park 5 A2 A28 5 6 a e a Hambledon Heyshott Down Hassocks A267 Storrington 1 A2 Shirrell A28 © SDNPA Singleton A283Steyning A2 Ditchling Heath Rowlands Castle 3 Bignor Hill Fulking Ringmer A27 SOUTHAMPTON Ditchling e A2 ) Kingley Vale Goodwood ry Beacon a Amberley 4 Wickham A28 Chanctonbury Country Park LEWES 5 a n a 9 River Arun Ring A2 Devil’s Dyke 4 Falmer Glynde Hailsham A3(M A28 Findon Lavant gn Berwick Cissbury Ring A2 3 en n Arundel 7 M27 A Havant River Adur Mill Hill River Ouse A22 a 7 A27 A2 A22 Firle Beacon FAREHAM Long Man Southease Alfriston CHICHESTER Barnham BRIGHTON & HOVE g e of Wilmington a Cuckmere River WORTHING Rottingdean A259 LITTLEHAMPTON EASTBOURNE A25 GOSPORT N Newhaven 9 Walk among the ancient yews at Kingley Explore Friston Forest and Seven Sisters Seaford BOGNOR REGIS Soak up history at Arundel Castle PORTSMOUTH Vale Country Park 0 1100 kkmm Seven Sisters East Dean ENGLISH CHANNE L Country Park Beachy Head
© SDNPA © SDNPA © James Giles SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 10 SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk
MEET THE FARMER © SDNPA
To play video: TAP MEET THE FARMER SCAN
THROUGH YOUR SMART NFC (enable NFC setting) PHONE (app required) A new initiative set up by a group of farmers between Arundel and Dominic Gardner is part of Shoreham-by-Sea in the South Downs National Park is aiming to the Arun to Adur Farmers engage and inform visitors by using the latest technology at key Group who work together vantage points along the South Downs Way. to produce quality food whilst looking after the Farming is integral to the location and provide an South Downs National Park, insight as to what they are wildlife and the landscape. not only in shaping the doing on their farm. Angmering Park Estate picturesque rolling landscape This new and innovative and looking after the wildlife approach showcases the that lives here, but also in range of work farmers producing quality food. There do in the area, from is an extensive network of growing barley that’s bridleways and footpaths that used to make local beer allows locals and visitors alike and producing milk that to explore and enjoy what the goes to major retailers’ South Downs has to offer, but to planting crops how many of us actually know specifically for farmland and understand what farmers birds and managing do? less productive areas Using the South Downs Way for nationally rare as a ‘shop window’, the Arun butterflies. The to Adur Farmers Group have farmers in the cluster created a series of short ‘Meet wanted to break the the Farmer’ videos that can be stereotype of grumpy viewed in-situ using a smart farmers to welcome phone at different spots along people with open its route. These 30–40 second arms showcasing the clips, are available to view via workings of modern specially designed plaques farms in the South attached to fingerposts which Downs. © SDNPA/Simon Mockford introduce the farmer in that
THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK southdowns.gov.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 11
RECIPE: With Hallowe’en festivities growing in popularity every year, Autumn is the traditional time for pumpkin carving. Each year huge quantities of the scooped innards of pumpkins are thrown away. This year why not turn your discarded pumpkin flesh into a delicious warming soup? Here’s a recipe from Lewes Food Market courtesy of Daphne Lambert greencuisinetrust.org.
Thai pumpkin soup METHOD Serves 6 In a medium saucepan gently cook INGREDIENTS the garlic, shallots and chilli in 1 tablespoon coconut oil the coconut oil until soft, about 5 2 cloves garlic chopped minutes. Add the diced pumpkin, LOVELY AND LOCAL 4 large shallots chopped stock, kefir lime leaves, lemongrass 2 red chilli peppers chopped The ancient market towns and villages of the and bring to the boil. South Downs National Park offer plenty of 1 stick lemongrass bruised and cut into 1” pieces Simmer until the pumpkin is tender opportunity to buy local, seasonal produce. 3 kefir lime leaves and beginning to break up. Stir 1 litre vegetable stock in the coconut milk, simmer very There are too many to mention Stansted Park Farm Shop, 750g peeled diced pumpkin gently for a minute, remove from them all in our pages, but here are Rowlands Castle, Hampshire 350 ml coconut milk the heat and add lime juice, salt just a few of the numerous farmers’ Durleighmarsh Farm Shop, Juice and zest of 1 lime and pepper to taste. markets and farm shops you could Petersfield, Hampshire Salt & pepper Divide between six bowls scattered try. Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst, a few torn basil with torn basil leaves. Winchester Farmers’ Market West Sussex leaves (2nd and last Sunday of the month) Charlie’s Farm Shop, Pulborough Petersfield Farmers’ Market West Sussex (1st Sunday of the month) Middle Farm Shop, West Firle, East Lewes Food Market (every Friday) Sussex
COMPETITION TIME: WIN A FOOD AND DRINK HAMPER WORTH £50 FROM STANSTED PARK FARM SHOP Put together by the lovely team at Stansted Park Farm shop one lucky person has the chance to win a hamper containing a selection of their delicious homemade deli items including sourdough bread, award winning Tunworth Cheese, Longman Beer and more. The Farm Shop at Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle in Hampshire, stocks the finest food and drink from more than 90 Hampshire and Sussex-based artisan producers. What an amazing opportunity to try some of the tastiest treats from the South Downs and surrounding area. Simply email your answer to the following question, along with your full name, contact telephone number and address to info@southdowns. gov.uk with HAMPER2018 in the subject before 31 October 2018.
Q. Where is Stansted Park Farm Shop situated?
The winner will be contacted by email by 9 November 2018 to arrange WIN THIS delivery. Good luck! Terms and conditions apply HAMPER southdowns.gov.uk/SDVHamper2018TCs
SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 12 SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk COMMUNITY HEROES
Do you have a project in the South Downs National Park that needs help with funding? Will your project bring social, environmental, economic or cultural benefits to your community? If so you should get in touch with the Sustainable Communities Fund team.
The National Park Authority’s fund has helped communities within Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF) the South Downs National Park. issues grants from £250 to £10,000 Find out more and how to apply at and up to 50% project costs. Here southdowns.gov.uk/ are just two examples of how the sustainable-communities-fund
ADHURST ESTATE ALLOTMENTS MEON VALLEY ASSOCIATION ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE The Adhurst Estate Allotments Association was born when the GROUP Adhurst Estate heard that 95 people were waiting for allotments in Petersfield and offered the use of some fields on a 15-year lease. You could travel along the A32 at Exton in Hampshire a hundred It’s not been easy work turning uncultivated fields into growing spaces times and still have no idea that you’d passed through the centre and the allotment holders have done it all – starting with putting up of an archaeological treasure but, thanks to the Meon Valley 400m of rabbit proof fencing. They run working groups to carry out tasks Archaeological Heritage Group, we now know a lot more about life every six weeks, hold an annual vegetable show and have even created here 2,000 years ago. a community orchard with 90 fruit trees providing nectar to support the The remains of a hall found on one side of the road in 1980 now sit bees in their bee hives. in the British Museum and were first thought to be from a Roman farm Allotments need water and the group began by taking buckets out building. However following the discovery of Roman coins by detectorists of the local stream – at the bottom of the hill. A £4,000 grant from the in the field on the other side of the road, a geophysical survey in 2015 South Downs National Park’s Sustainable Communities Fund meant revealed a much bigger complex and a curious hexagonal building. they could get this enormous water tank (above) which the group rolled Thanks to the discovery of a Dea Nutrix figurine goddess during a dig onto the site using fence posts. True to form they then dug the irrigation between 2016 and 2017 we now know that this building was a Roman channels to 13 taps across the site themselves. temple. The dig also revealed that the first building found was in fact 30m long, as well as a bath house with stucco – students from Winchester University are now trying to put the scene back together. A £1,754 grant from the South Downs National Park’s Sustainable Communities Fund supported the costs of the professional surveys and getting a report written up. More details: saxonsinthemeonvalley.org.uk
THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK southdowns.gov.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 13 © Russell Cleaver
the spring have become poorer and darker. This is because the value CHAINSAWS AND BONFIRES? of our woods has changed and the local woodland industries have Don’t be concerned if during autumn and winter you find your pleasant largely died out. Our volunteers ramble or ride over the chalk downs interrupted by the sight of felled trees again are rescuing these rich and branches going up in a controlled blaze. habitats by re-coppicing them – cutting multi-stemmed trees like The first experience of this can chalk grassland, heathland and have ceased breeding and insects hazel and sweet chestnut down, to cause worry. But this isn’t wanton broadleaved woodland rich in are dormant. The fires here are regrow the following year, and allow destruction of the precious wildlife. On our dry lowland heaths, controlled to clear the cuttings light back in to feed the flowers of countryside. a habitat rarer than rainforest, and allow more space for wildlife. the woodland floor. Those heading out across the South volunteers are working to remove Our chalk grasslands were once If you do see our volunteers cutting Downs from September to February invasive rhododendron. It’s a plant better managed, but due to post- trees in open downland, lowland are likely to come across our Rangers prized for its ornamental value that war declines in traditional farming, heath or woodland, don’t worry, and Volunteer Rangers cutting down dominates acidic soils like those the rare butterflies and orchids the aim is to bring wildlife back trees. Across the countryside this found on heathlands but if left have struggled under the shade of to the South Downs National Park work is taking place in the name of unchecked it reduces biodiversity to a regenerating dogwood, hawthorn and bring people and nature closer conservation. level that can be hard to recover. and blackthorn. again. Due to the introduction of certain Volunteers on chalk grasslands In our woods it’s the same story Keep an eye on our website plants and animals, conservation across the National Park use the – traditionally coppiced woods that for volunteering vacancies: work is needed to keep the South autumn and winter months to once abounded with bluebells, southdowns.gov.uk/ Downs’ species-rich habitats of clear invading scrub, when birds wood anemones and primroses in volunteering-opportunities
© SDNPA/Charlie Hellewell
© SDNPA/Daniel Greenwood
SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 14 SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk
LEWES CASTLE
VISITOR GIVING
Visit / Give / Protect We’re not just a place, we’re a cause. We know you care about the © Sussex Archaeological Society special landscape of the South Downs National Park. We do too. How can you help? This year we have been piloting a scheme where visitors to hotels in the National Park can donate £2 on top of their DEFENDING THE DOWNS stay. This will enable the South The unique landscape of the South Downs has been shaped through Downs National Park Trust to fund vital projects making centuries of human activity with many of our most familiar man-made a lasting difference to the landmarks being used to defend both people and territory. landscapes, environment, wildlife and communities of The Conqueror’s Castles (Arundel, Bramber, Lewes, Pevensey South Downs National Park and are this unique National Park. We and Hastings) and was held by one ideal places to soak up not only their hope to roll out to all visitor Following the Norman Conquest of William the Conqueror’s trusted Norman history but also the stories accommodation in the near 1,000 years ago the county of supporters. behind their subsequent fortification future. Sussex was split into five districts or Two of these castles, at Arundel and development. southdownstrust.org.uk ‘rapes’. Each rape had its own castle and Lewes, are located within the © SDNPA © SDNPA LEWES ARUNDEL Climb the south tower of this 1,000-year-old Norman Castle for Set on a hill in West Sussex, this commanding castle dominates the stunning panoramic views across Sussex. Built by William de Warenne, a landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the follower of William the Conqueror, not long after the battle of Hastings River Arun. Originally built in 1067 by Earl Roger de Montgomery, a in 1066, Lewes castle is one of the earliest Norman strongholds in cousin and loyal servant of William, the castle was later damaged in the England. Lewes is one of only two castles in England with two mottes. English Civil War before being restored and remodelled in the 18th and Over generations the castle was fortified until it began to fall into ruin in 19th centuries. The castle has been in the ownership of the family of the the mid 1300s. Duke of Norfolk for over 400 years. For details on visiting Lewes Castle see: sussexpast.co.uk/ To visit the castle see: arundelcastle.org properties-to-discover/lewes-castle
THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK southdowns.gov.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 15
“There were some lovely views on the walk to the cache and we also spotted varous birds of prey, gliders in the sky, and what appeared to be the Red Arrows far in the distance.” “We’re all new to this so we’re having a great time searching for treasure.” “Found it with a group of little ’uns – good clue, thank you!” Southease Swing Bridge – East Sussex on the South Downs Way. YHA, Train station and Monk’s House (historic home of Virginia Woolf) all nearby. “Found after hopping off the train TRY GEOCACHING in the middle of nowhere to start This addictive hobby is an exciting way to There are nearly 50 geocaches a nice day’s walk on the South in the South Downs National Park. Downs.” discover the hidden gems of the South Downs. Here are some comments logged by “Found it! Greetings from Children particularly love a treasure hunt and participants at cache sites along the Germany” South Downs Way: geocaching is a great way to get them outside Anyone can try geocaching. The with a purpose to an outing. Rackham Banks – West South Downs GeoTour (GT58) has Participants young and old rave at footpath signs or even inside a Sussex, near to Amberley been created to help you explore the the ingenuity of some of the cache model owl up a tree. This is a on the South Downs Way. National Park through geocaching. sites in the South Downs National fantastic way to further explore Train station (appx 2 miles), Visit southdowns.gov.uk/ Park with some hidden inside an area you might already be Museum and refreshments geocaching for more details of innocuous looking logs or within visiting. nearby. how you can get involved.
SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK TRUST Protecting the beauty of the South Downs
Join us and become a member of the South Downs Society a charity dedicated to the protection and conservation We’re not just a place, we’re a cause of the South Downs With two million people living within just five kilometres of its boundary, and more and more people benefitting from spending time in its . Over 200 organised walks & strolls each year beautiful landscape, the South Downs National Park is coming under . Activities & events increasing pressure. Those that love it are being asked to help conserve . Help us to campaign to preserve the landscape it. for future generations . Help us improve access to the Downs The South Downs National Park Trust is an independent charity that works in partnership to enhance and protect this extraordinary place for future generations. By volunteering your time, making a donation or by leaving a gift in your will to the South Downs National Park Trust, you can help ensure that it can still be enjoyed by future generations. Contact South Downs National Park Trust Protecting the beauty of the Downs 01730 814810 [email protected] For more details, please visit our website southdownstrust.org.uk www.southdownssociety.org.uk or telephone 01798 875073 South Downs Society, 2 Swan Court, Station Road, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1RL
SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 16 SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2018 southdowns.gov.uk
MINI ADVENTURES BY MONTH
© JamesGilesPhotography.co.uk © © Terry Whittaker/20-20Vision Terry ©
© Daniel Greenwood OCTOBER SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER 30 September UK Fungus Day – World Rivers Day – 8 October National Tree Week starts Visit the crystal clear chalk rivers of the Itchen Look out for deadman’s fingers, lemon 24 November or the Meon and see if you can spot: disco and shaggy parasol! There are 1. Kingfisher – listen out for the distinctively advantages to the cooler damper days Love your woodland? Here’s a couple of shrill chi-keee call before glimpsing a rapid of autumn. Go on a Fungi Foray in the suggestions to celebrate National Tree low flying flash of azure. decaying leaf matter of the woodland Week. Feel the magic at Kingley Vale 2. Water vole – Bringing ecological balance floor. Identify as many as you can with National Nature Reserve in West Sussex. back to the River Meon as part of a carefully this spotters guide: woodlandtrust. The gnarled ancient yew trees here are controlled release programme, nearly 3,000 org.uk/naturedetectives/ some of the oldest living things in Britain. water voles have been reintroduced by the activities/2015/10/autumn-fungi-id Alternatively expend some energy and make Meon Valley Partnership since 2013. Approach but please make sure that you leave what the most of the woodland trails on foot or quietly and you might be lucky to spot one you find for other explorers and remember by bike at Queen Elizabeth Country Park sitting on the river bank chewing a reed or that some fungi are deadly poisonous. near Petersfield, Hampshire.
swimming – tail stretched out behind it. © SDNPA ©
© SDNPA © SDNPA/A.Purkiss DECEMBER FEBRUARY Christmas activities outdoors JANUARY Dark Skies Festival Take a break from wrapping presents, enjoy RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – 15 February– 26 27 January 3 March the fresh air of a bracing walk in the South – The depths of February are the perfect time Downs National Park and collect material to Do some armchair birdwatching and help to wrap up warm and gaze at the beautiful create your own Christmas wreath. the RSPB to record and monitor the status of dark skies above us. The South Downs Guided sessions take place throughout our garden and parkland birds. Take part National Park is a perfect place to do this December with the National Trust: try in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch either at and the Dark Skies Festival 2019 kicks off Saddlescombe Farm, near Devil’s Dyke from home or at your local park and see if you two weeks of astronomical activity with 17–21 December. Alternatively try one of the have more robins or sparrows, blackbirds or our Stargazing South Downs event at the other Christmas activities at National Trust woodpigeons. Midhurst Rother College on Saturday 16 Hinton Ampner, Birling Gap, Alfriston Clergy For all the details of how to get involved February from 4pm. For more details of House and others. visit: rspb.org.uk/get-involved/ all activities see southdowns.gov.uk/ Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for details. activities/birdwatch darkskiesfestival
SIGN UP TO THE SOUTH DOWNS To keep up-to-date with news, events and competitions, follow us Contacts Us on... NEWSLETTER AND WIN PRIZES! South Downs National Park Authority Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the South South Downs Centre Downs National Park. /SDNPA North Street Every month you’ll have the chance to win a Midhurst, West Sussex prize to help you enjoy the National Park even @SDNPA GU29 9DH more – from days out to outdoor kit. @Ranger_sdnpa 01730 814810 Find out more and sign up at southdowns. [email protected] gov.uk/newsletter southdownsNP southdowns.gov.uk THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK