SOUTH DOWNS NEWS April 2019 WORK AND PLAY IN YOUR NATIONAL PARK This month: Pride of place Learn more about the National Park’s first entry signs. We did it! Read about the incredible community effort that has seen £120,000 raised to repair the South Downs Way. Celebrating our ninth anniversary Find out nine ways to become a National Park custodian. Discover National Parks fortnight Our rangers hit the road for free family events. As always please send your comments and ideas to us at [email protected] First entry signs are unveiled for the South Downs National Park Bespoke signs that reflect the unique heritage of the South Downs and create a sense of arrival are being installed at 19 pilot sites at specially chosen English National Park. The sweet chestnut wood used locations at, or near, the National Park’s in the signs has been locally sourced from the Stansted borders across Sussex and Hampshire. Estate by English Woodlands. The white lettering The signs will help people know that they are in a reflects the iconic chalk landscape of the South Downs. unique landscape that has been designated for the Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive of the South Downs whole nation and deserves special care and attention. National Park Authority said: “These beautifully-crafted Every location has been carefully selected at key entry signs pay homage to the heritage of the South Downs points to the stunning landscape and each sign’s size and welcome people to a precious landscape, and design have been tailor-made to fit its reminding them that it should be enjoyed with care surroundings. and respect. The signs are made from metal or a mixture of wood “Throughout history boundary markers have used local and metal – reflecting the history of iron work in the materials to reflect a community’s pride in its place. South Downs during the 17th and 18th centuries and These bespoke signs are part of that tradition. that the South Downs has the most woodland of any 1 SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY “They add to the National Park’s value as a destination to visit in support of local businesses, including our National Park marks top-quality food and drink producers and the many well-being and leisure opportunities that the South Downs offer. its ninth birthday “We will carefully assess the response to the first 19 sites before deciding whether to proceed with further locations.” The signs draw upon the National Park’s Shared Identity, which is a place brand for the National Park and is used by local partners, stakeholders and businesses to show they are part of an amazing place. Designer Peter Anderson, who led on the design of the signs, said: “The signs were designed to respect and pay Nine years ago, a vision became a reality. homage to the After years of campaigning, England’s newest National heritage, beautiful Park was born, designating 1600km2 of special natural form and landscape with its breathtaking views, unique heritage materials of the and hidden gems for the benefit of the nation. National Park. Almost a decade on, the South Downs National Park is “The form of the a thriving community. From farmers, to residents, to signs echo the walkers, to visitors, to volunteer groups – each one is rolling landscape playing their part as custodians of this amazing place. of the SDNP and allow a viewing point through the sign Our ninth birthday also coincides with the 70th to the scenery beyond it. Cor-ten steel reflects SDNP’s anniversary of the laws creating National Parks as the ironworks heritage, this material rusts organically UK’s breathing spaces. Fittingly, it’s also the Year of allowing it live and breathe alongside its habitat.” Green Action, a Government-backed initiative aiming to encourage people to take action that is beneficial to the environment. So, as we mark this special year, here are nine tips for caring for your National Park and becoming a custodian: 1. Experience it! Get out and enjoy the beauty of the National Park – we promise it will inspire you! 2. Save water The South Downs is home to a huge aquifer that provides clean water to 1.2m people around the south east. Simple tips include having a shower instead of a bath or turning off the tap when brushing your teeth. 3. Volunteer There are dozens of local conservation groups with opportunities to help protect and enhance biodiversity. 2 SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Find out more here: www.southdowns.gov.uk/care- for/volunteering/conservation-groups/ Authority approves 4. Buy less plastic, and if you must buy it – two innovative recycle or bin it! More disposable packaging means more plastic ends projects for farm up in water courses. Many birds are badly affected by plastic waste as it can be mistaken for nest-building material or food. Litter can be broken down into tiny diversification particles called microplastics, which cannot degrade Two innovative farm diversification schemes have and can remain in our food chain indefinitely. been given the green light by the South Downs National Park Authority. 5. Eat local The Planning Committee voted to approve plans for Enjoying the food and drink produced locally in the multi-million pound projects at the Wiston Estate, South Downs helps to support the network of North Farm, Washington, and Sky Park Farm in West businesses that are the lifeblood of the National Park’s Harting. economy. Work has now started to create a rural business park anchored by the Wiston Estate Winery. The plans include demolishing, converting, and extending the 6. Reduce chemical use in your garden current winery and offices, in addition to building five Excess fertiliser and pesticides run through the soil and self-contained holiday units. can end up in our groundwater, rivers, streams and The work is being supported by a wide-ranging wetlands. Consider organic methods for pest, weed infrastructure package, including improved habitat and disease control. connectivity, better routes and wayfinding for users and visitors to the site, and surface water drainage that 7. Pick up litter will help improve water quality. Wherever you are in the National Park, make sure you Meanwhile, at West Harting, bin litter or take it home. an educational and visitor enterprise will diversify the existing agricultural 8. Travel sustainably operation of the site as a Walk, cycle, use public transport or car share where working Deer Farm. possible. The plus side of leaving the car at home is Supported by a new farm shop, visitor café, and you’ll get to experience more of the National Park and outdoor children’s activity area, the project will get closer to the natural environment! promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park. The plans were also supported by The British Deer 9. Share it! Farms and Parks Association, which noted it is a model Be sure to capture the beauty of the South Downs and for diversification and sustainable deer farming in the share those images on social media – it all helps to UK. raise awareness of why this area is so special! Both landscape-led schemes were approved following pre-application discussions, giving careful consideration to design and impact. Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the South Down National Park Authority, said: “Both these schemes represent large-scale and well-thought-out rural diversification. “They are perfect examples of a landscape-led planning approach to deliver high-quality schemes that deliver on multiple levels. These include supporting a sustainable rural economy through job creation and promoting people’s enjoyment of the National Park.” 3 SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Andy added: “Every single penny donated will go “Thank you” as Mend towards mending sections of the trail that had suffered the effects of erosion and mud over several decades. “Fifteen thousand pairs Our Way appeal hits of boots, 10,000 tyres and 800 hooves fundraising target travelling the length of the trail each year certainly cause a lot of wear and tear! “Our existing funding had allowed us to make most repairs but there were more remote sections of the path that were simply too expensive to tackle using existing funds. “This additional funding, the benefits of which are already being seen, will make a huge difference to the long-term vitality of the trail and ensure it can be enjoyed for many generations to come.” The £120,000 was raised from a mixture of public donations, crowdfunding and a number of donations, A campaign to fix the South Downs Way has hit its including from: £120,000 target following an incredible community British Mountaineering Council fundraising effort. Langham Brewery The public, community groups, local businesses and The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust donors have all rallied round to raise the sum in just over a year to ensure that vital improvements are The Monument Trust made to the 100-mile national trail, which runs The Chalk Cliff Trust between Winchester and Eastbourne. Friends of the South Downs Now the South Downs National Park Trust, the charity The Banister Charitable Trust co-ordinating the Mend Our Way fundraising campaign, is extending a massive ‘thank you’ to all the Ian Askew Charitable Trust people who have made it possible. The Calleva Foundation The Mend Our Way appeal is part of the national ‘Make HF Holidays a Million’ initiative, which is run by the British Trail Riders Fellowship Mountaineering Council (BMC) and seeks to raise £1m for some of the UK’s most treasured trails. M J Camp Charitable Trust Work is already under way to mend sections of the Players of the Peoples Postcode Lottery Trail that were in desperate need of refurbishment, Carey Davies, Mend our Mountains Campaign Lead, with a section at Plumpton transformed from a muddy, said: “We’re thrilled that the Mend Our Way appeal has water-logged track into a brand-new, weather-resistant its target so quickly and it’s testament to how much path.