Discover the Family John Muir Award Easy Ways to Help Wildlife at Home

SOUTHDOWNS VIEW 2021 FREE

Easy ways to help wildlife at home PAGE 11 Happy Discover Nature, the Family Happy You, John Muir Happy Award South PAGE 22 Downs

WIN

clothing! Columbia

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. ENJOY...... 4

TOP WILDLIFE SPOTS...... 6

FANCY A HEATHLAND HUNT?...... 8 2021 FEATHERED FRIENDS...... 10

HELP WILDLIFE AT HOME...... 11

DISABLED RAMBLING ON THE SOUTH DOWNS...... 14 The South

BLACK TRAIL RUNNERS...... 15 Downs Centre

IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS...... 16 Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH INSPIRED BY THE DOWNS...... 17 01730 814810 PHOTO COMP WINNERS...... 18 Home of the National Park Authority, a community hub, visitor information DARK SKY WONDERSS...... 20 centre and exhibition about the THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT...... 21 National Park.

FAMILY JOHN MUIR AWARD...... 22 Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: This magazine is printed on 100% FSC® recycled paper. This FSC® paper is sourced from FSC® certified mills and is from 9:00am – 4:00 pm. sustainable sources. Saturdays and bank holidays:

CONTENTS 9am – 2.30pm (1 May to the 30 October only) Front cover photograph; Deer © William Jones-Warner

INFORMATION POINTS Please check websites information centres are Aldershot Visitor Information Horsham Visitor Information to find out which Centre Centre currently open. visit-hampshire.co.uk visithorsham.co.uk Arundel Visitor Information Point Lewes Tourist Information Centre arundel.org.uk visitlewes.co.uk Bognor Regis Visitor Information Littlehampton Tourist Information Point Centre sussexbythesea.com sussexbythesea.com Brighton Tourist Information Petersfield Town Visitor Centre Point visitpetersfield.com visitbrighton.com Seaford Tourist Information Burgess Hill Tourist Information Centre Centre seafordtown.co.uk burgesshill.gov.uk/leisuretourism Worthing Visitor Information Chichester Tourist Information Centre Centre discoverworthing.uk visitchichester.org Winchester City Mill and Shop Eastbourne Tourist Information visitwinchester.co.uk/winchester- Centre city-mill-shop Keep up to date with all South visiteastbourne.com Winchester Tourist Information Downs news by signing up to our Haslemere Visitor Information Centre monthly newsletter – southdowns. gov.uk/join-the-newsletter Centre visitwinchester.co.uk haslemere.com/vic

2 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 Happy Nature, Happy You, Happy South Downs. It has been a hard year, a cold winter, and we’re all looking forward to getting back a bit of normality this summer, whatever that may be! In amongst the trials of the year, many of us have discovered a renewed (or new!) love of nature and what it To ensure you have a safe and fun visit join us with our has to offer. A walk in the countryside has been a welcomed motto “Happy Nature, Happy You, Happy South Downs”. Make escape from the monotony of home working, seeing spring your trip to the South Downs a memorable one by following buds appear on trees and plants has given us a hint of warmer these simple tips: days to come, and the chance to meet our friends and family • Leave no trace – enjoy the South Downs, but please take outdoors has given us a better appreciation of our beautiful all litter home, do not light fires and close gates behind you. green spaces. • Plan Ahead – some visitor hotspots may get very busy, so As restrictions slowly ease it is a great time to start planning always have a plan B and check ahead for parking facilities, some adventures. Whether it is a staycation in one of the South toilets and opening times. Downs’ picturesque market towns, a day trip exploring some • Stick to the paths, particularly during ground-nesting bird of the stunning and rare heathlands the National Park has to season (March to September). offer or even a morning dog walk on top of the Downs. There is • Keep your dog on a lead around livestock. something here for everyone to enjoy and help look after. Throughout this magazine are details of just a few of the As always we’d love to see what you’ve enjoyed most about many South Downs attractions, museums, galleries and your time in the South Downs so please tag us in your posts on countryside sites which are opening up ready for your visit when social media #southdowns. restrictions lift. Please make sure you plan ahead, opening times are subject to change and most attractions require a pre- booked ticket so get planning to avoid disappointment. Enjoy and please stay safe.

Rebecca Saunders Editor

Competition Time! WIN Columbia Win a stylish Columbia rucksack and beanie combo, RucksackCombo and getting you ready for an adventure in the great South Beanie Downs. To be in with a chance of winning these brilliant prizes simply answer the following question. This May sees the launch of the updated Serpent Trail guide – a fantastic long-distance route through stunning South Downs heathland. But can you tell us how long in miles this meandering route is? Send your answers, along with your full name and postal address, to [email protected]. Closing date is midnight on Friday 27 August 2021. Good luck!

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 3 Petersfield Museum Explore. Discover. Opening in May, visit the newly refurbished museum which, as well Get ready for some culture, as telling the 10,000 year story of Petersfield and the surrounding history, good food and family Enjoy. villages, will house temporary fun in the South Downs. exhibitions on the work of Petersfield artist Flora Twort and Shackleton’s Antarctic Artist, George Marston. s we emerge from Here’s a snapshot of some of the Visit petersfieldmuseum.co.uk for lockdown, a range of venues that you can visit. Remember full details. visitor attractions across to plan ahead, check opening times, the National Park and in parking facilities and whether you need nearby towns and cities to book tickets before arriving. More Aare welcoming people back with information is available on open arms. Many have spent the past their websites and please few weeks and months painstakingly be advised that opening incorporating Covid-secure “Good dates may be subject to to go” safety measures to ensure change: everyone can have a fun and safe experience.

Gilbert White’s House and © Doug Jones Museum Stroll the gardens once walked Hinton Ampner HAMPSHIRE by naturalist Gilbert White (open Soak up the peaceful atmosphere in Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am- the gardens, parks and countryside 4.30pm), enjoy a snack at the Lawn of this stunning National Trust Café and visit White’s house from property. The café with outdoor 18 May. Pre-booking essential seating is open. Pre-booking – gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk essential – nationaltrust.org.uk/ © Gilbert White House © Gilbert hinton-ampner

Butser Ancient Farm Explore Iron Age roundhouses, a Roman kitchen garden, rare-breed animals and lots more at this experimental archaeological site. Pre-booking essential – butserancientfarm.co.uk © Butser Ancient Farm © Butser © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler Trust © National

Chawton House Enjoy the beautiful gardens and parkland Also in Hampshire… at the house inherited by Jane Austen’s Bird World – pre-booked tickets only. brother, open Wednesday to Sunday. Marwell Zoo – pre-booked tickets . Pre-booking essential: chawton-house. Winchester Science Centre and arttickets.org.uk. The Scullery will be Planetarium – working towards re- operating a takeaway service with visitors opening on 22 May able to order food and drinks and use Hollycombe Steam in the Country – the outdoor seating area or picnic on Hoping to open beginning of July for the lawn. The House remains closed to its 50th anniversary. visitors. © Anguskirk

4 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 Arundel Wetland Centre Keep your eyes peeled for watervoles, enjoy a boat ride and learn everything there is to know about wetland loving WEST SUSSEX creatures. Pre-booking essential. wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel © SDNPA/Dick Hawkes © SDNPA/Dick © SDNPA

Arundel Castle and Weald and Downland Gardens Explore the stunning gardens and Living Museum gaze up at the impressive castle See, touch and even smell what it walls. (The castle’s interior will open was like to live in years gone by at this on 18 May at the earliest.) Pre- beautiful living museum. Pre-booking booking essential. essential – wealddown.co.uk arundelcastle.org/gardens © SDNPA

Also in West Sussex… Charleston House Petworth House – gardens open for pre-booked visits. Walk in the footsteps of the Parham House and Gardens – Garden only open – famous Bloomsbury Group in their pre-booking essential. picturesque gardens – the house West Dean Gardens – open for pre-booked visits. and exhibitions are set to open from Amberley Museum – planning to re-open 19 May. 19 May. Pre-booking essential – charleston.org.uk Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft Visit this award-winning museum in the beautiful village of Ditchling and celebrate it’s reopening EAST SUSSEX with a new exhibition of works by illustrator John Vernon Lord and Friends ‘Taking a Line for a Walk’. Pre-booking essential. ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk © SDNPA © SDNPA

Also in East Sussex… Towner Art Gallery Lewes Depot Cinema Reopens 18 May 2021, including the Kitchen and bar re-opening 12 April, shop, cafe and two major new exhibitions with cinema from 17 May. – John Nash: The Landscape of Love Glyndebourne– Tickets go on sale and Solace, and John Akomfrah: Vertigo to general public from 18 April. Sea. Gallery 1 and the Ravilious Gallery Royal Pavilion and Museums will re-open on Saturday 29 May. Towner Brighton – Museums remain closed Cinema will re-open later this Summer. but Royal Pavilion and Brighton townereastbourne.org.uk Art Gallery © Towner Museum & Art Gallery will reopen from 17 May. Pre-booking essential.

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 5 TOP WILDLIFE SPOTS With a mosaic of different landscape types weaved together, the South © Daniel Greenwood Downs National Park has a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Adonis Blue Butterfly Whether you like birds, insects, Look for the stunning sky-blue males flitting across the south facing chalk grassland slopes of the Downs. The females are mammals or reptiles, there is chocolate brown – both sexes have distinct black lines on the something for everyone. Here are white fringes of their wings. just a few things to look out for on your visit. © SDNPA/Bruce Middleton © SDNPA/Bruce © Daniel Greenwood/SDNPA

Adder Water Voles

Britain’s only venomous snake, look out for these beauties These shy creatures are elusive! You may just hear a little ‘plop’ basking in the sunshine on one of the stunning heathland sites as they jump into the water on hearing you arrive. Essentially in the South Downs. ecosystem engineers, their burrowing and feeding behaviour along the edges of watercourses creates excellent conditions for other animals and plants to thrive.

6 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 © Sara Humphrey CreativeNature_nl © iStock,

Skylark Otters

One of the distinctive sounds of the Downs, you’ll hear these Thought to be locally extinct in Hampshire until a few years tuneful birds before you spot them. Look for their dramatic ago, otters have made a comeback on the River Meon thanks vertical flight up in the air over open grass or farmland. to a reduction in river pollution. It’s believed there are now three breeding females on the River Meon. © Bruce Middleton Jordon Sharp © iStock,

Sand Lizard Nightjar

Found on dry, sandy heathland sites, the males are easiest to Spot these ground-nesting, nocturnal birds hunting food at spot in April and May when their flanks turn an especially bright dusk or dawn, with their pointed wings and long tails giving shade of green to attract a mate. them a similar shape to a kestrel.

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 7 Fancy a © SDNPA Heathland Hunt?

Intricate pieces of art that tell the story of the history, wildlife and people of the South Downs heathlands are waiting to be found. nspired by stories from CAN YOU FIND ALL communities and drawing HEATHLANDS SEVEN SCULPTURES? S upon sources as diverse as the CULPTURE TRAIL poet Tennyson and a 391-year- Tell us about your adventure on the old local map, the Heathland Heathland Sculpture Trail by tagging ISculpture Trail links seven precious us in your photos on social media heathland sites in the National Park. #southdowns and #HelpTheHeaths. Download the leaflet and 3 EXPLORE THE NEW use our helpful interactive map STEDHAM for more clues on where to find Dragonflies Rest LOOK SERPENT TRAIL each sculpture – southdowns. As its name suggests, the Serpent gov.uk/heathlands-reunited/ Trail is a waymarked path that heathlands-sculpture-trail twists and turns through stunning areas of lowland heath from A272 Haslemere to Petersfield. A 65-mile trail, which can be broken down into 11 shorter, manageable stages – have a go and Elsted Road find out more about the beautiful and extremely rare heathland habitat in the South Downs National Park. Designed as part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Heathlands Reunited project, the Serpent Trail guide helps you to discover the diversity of this precious habitat. Stages are of varying lengths and the newly updated Serpent Trail Guide helpfully gives public transport 1 SANDHILLSAN 0 2.2.55 mimilesles options for each section so that you 5 KKmsms can travel sustainably and leave the HINDHEADHINHHINDHEADN car at home. Each stage has a slightly BORDON

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SOUTH DO WNS WAY 7 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 A285 9 Feathered Friends Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the South Downs National Park, but not just of the human kind.

Adder © Sara Humphrey

Fox © Sara Humphrey Sara © Fox Pied Flycatcher © Sara Humphrey Sara © Flycatcher Pied Nightingale © Sara Humphrey

he South Downs is an for families wanting to help connect kids to help you get started, like RSPB important place for to nature! Pulborough Brooks in West Sussex. wildlife, particularly Common species like goldfinches, My method of working as I walk migratory birds. Many of rabbits and kestrels are easy enough to through the countryside has taught me a the UK’s most threatened find with a little observation, but if you lot about the role visitors play in protecting Tbreeding bird species pass through look closely at the wildlife around us, more our landscape too. Until learning about each year. Some stop here to breed, unusual species will start to stand out. species and habitats, I hadn’t realised while others like striking ring ouzels The cliffs at Seaford host an incredible that a fragile patch of kidney vetch and pied flycatchers just stop to summer colony of kittiwakes, while an could sustain a colony of rare small blue refuel. early autumn trip to Cuckmere Haven will butterflies, that birds like skylark nest right I can plot my year by arrivals and almost guarantee whinchat or wheatear on the ground, or that people, dogs and departures; nightingales serenade in sightings. drones repeatedly disturbing roosting spring, turtle doves purr through summer Discovering rarer species takes time birds can really put them at risk. and curlew calls mix in with winter flocks and patience though. I take long hikes By sticking to the paths, taking your of geese and wigeon. mapping out where I’m most likely to litter home and taking care not to disturb For the last few years, I’ve been find the species I want to see; from foxes wildlife, you can help protect the incredible documenting the wildlife here with my and adders to purple sandpipers. I’ll biodiversity on our doorstep while you camera, sharing the images to help raise head to coastal cliffs for peregrines or discover it for yourself. conservation awareness. You don’t need woodland glades for cuckoo, then listen fancy camera kit either, you’d be amazed for their calls. For complete beginners, Sara Humphrey at the close-up captures you can take I’d recommend visiting a nature reserve Wildlife photographer and naturalist just with a mobile phone. It’s an easy and where staff and volunteers are on hand www.instagram.com/sussex_sara accessible hobby to get into, especially

10 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 Help Wildlife at Home Feed the birds Build a Put up a Bug bird or bat Hotel box

Somewhere near a bush Seeds in winter and There are lots of DIY bug & bee hotels or tree to provide cover is best. fat balls in spring. online, many use up plastic bottles.

Provide Don’t worry Plant some about weeds owers water

Wildlife love weeds! A great excuse to skip Pick native species, plant in beds, the endless task pots and on windowsills and help A sunken pot of water or small pond of weeding. pollinators like butter ies and bees. – any will help in warmer months.

Let your Plant a grass hedge Grow ivy grow instead of a and other fence climbers

These provide a great hiding place/ home for lots of insects, and some Four weeks not mowing allows grass They provide a home, shade and food much-needed food loving plants to ourish, providing for lots of wildlife. through the winter. food to caterpillars and insects.

Create a Reduce hedgehog Start pesticides highway composting

Aim for organic ways of maintaining Simply leave/cut a space in fences to Another way to reduce your waste your garden. allow hedgehogs and other wildlife to going to landll and create free move between your neighbours gardens. compost for a healthy garden – win win! KeKeyy Key SoSoututh hDo Downwns sNational National Pa Parkrk So Soututh hDo Downwns sWa Way y So Soututh hDo Downwns sWa Way y Our priority is keeping our visitors and communities safe. (footpath(footpath only only) ) Please follow the latest Government guidelines and COVID-19 RaRailwailway yst stationsations restrictions. We are all custodians of this beautiful landscape so please support our farmers, communities and wildlife Ra Railwailway y by sticking to the path, keeping you dog on a lead around Countryside sites livestock, taking your litter home and avoid disturbing ground Countryside sites nesting birds and other wildlife. #staysafeoutside SeSettttlementlement VVisitorisitor Information Information Points Points CycleCycle hire hire 2 2

14 © SDNPA

Walk, cycle or horse ride the Meon Valley Trail – easy access 27 for trampers and pushchairs too. © SDNPA © SDNPA

Climb the famous zig-zag path behind Gilbert White’s House in © SDNPA/Sam Moore © SDNPA/Sam Selborne. Take on the free assault course at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. © Peter and Louiser Searight © Peter

Search for native reptiles along Lynchmere’s easy access route. WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU...

1 Winchester City Mill 24 Iping and Stedham Common 47 Mill Hill 2 25 48 St. Catherine’s Hill Woolbeding Gardens Southwick Hill 3 West Walk 26 Woolbeding Countryside 49 Devil’s Dyke/Fulking Escarpment 4 Beacon Hill 27 Marley Common 50 Saddlescombe Farm/Newtimber Hill 5 Hinton Ampner 28 Black Down 51 Woods Mill 6 Old Winchester Hill 29 Swan Barn Farm 52 Wolstonbury Hill 7 Chawton House 30 Ebernoe Common 53 Ditchling Beacon 8 Alice Holt Forest 31 The Mens 54 Black Cap 9 Gilbert White House & Oates Collection 32 Petworth House and Park 55 Castle Hill 10 Selborne Common 33 Lavington Common 56 Lewes Castle 11 Woolmer Forest 34 Bignor Hill 57 Lewes Downs/Mount Caburn 12 Ashford Hangers 35 Bignor Roman Villa 58 Monks House 13 Butser Hill 36 Slindon Estate 59 Charleston House 14 Queen Elizabeth Country Park 37 Arundel Castle 60 Long Man of Wilmington 15 Uppark House 38 Arundel Wildfowl & Wetland Trust 61 Lullington Heath 16 Harting Down 39 Amberley Working Museum 62 Alfriston Clergy House 17 40 Durford Heath Amberley Wildbrooks 63 Friston Forest 18 41 Kingley Vale Pulborough Brooks 64 Seven Sisters Country Park 19 42 Goodwood Sculpture Park Warren Hill and Sullington Warren 65 Seaford Head 20 Drovers 43 Chanctonbury Ring 66 Birling Gap and Seven Sisters 21 Heyshott Down 44 Highdown Hill 67 Beachy Head 22 Weald and Downland Museum 45 Cissbury Ring 23 46 National Trust sites RSPB sites Goodwood Country Park Bramber Castle

56 © SDNPA/Sam Moore © SDNPA/Sam © Nigel Symington © SDNPA Hopson © Finn Stroll alongside the crystal clear waters of Swanbourne Lake in Go butterfly spotting at Mill Hill Explore the historic market town Enjoy stunning views from the Arundel. Nature Reserve. of Lewes. top of Firle Beacon near Lewes. Disabled Rambling on the South Downs We ramble on the South Downs near Worthing, have done for many years – it

e have all-terrain, really passing by Cissbury and Chanctonbury tough mobility scooters in the distance, a lot of it is along the Miles Without called Trampers which South Downs Way and the views are can cope with a host amazing. Lovely gentle, rolling farmland Stiles of different terrain with cattle and sheep grazing in many If you’re looking for some new routes Wincluding mud, hills and ruts. of the fields and big flocks of crows and which are suitable for people with One of our first rambles was at starlings feeding on the cattle’s fodder limited mobility, wheelchair users or Highdown Hill near Worthing and close to bins adds to the truly uplifting atmosphere families with pushchairs, have a look at the Highdown Gardens. To access the hill of this iconic area. our Miles Without Stiles routes – www. we needed the gate from the car park to Our scooters are not infallible and we southdowns.gov.uk/miles-without- be unlocked, and here we found the Head can’t traverse every by-way but there are stiles. Gardener very willing to be of assistance. so many that we can do. Helpfully we These routes show parking locations, hill We then led a super but quite challenging, have found so many farmers, rangers gradients, toilet facilities and are designed ramble from Highdown Gardens car park and Authorities are only too willing to for ease of access so you can get out into right along to the village of Angmering help if possible. We have been able to the countryside and enjoy the beautiful views with wonderful views over the surrounding achieve such a lot with the help of these and wildlife. vista, Worthing and Chichester in the people, for which we are so grateful. We distance. find it is always best to ask the question We have been to many different and request something be improved or places along the South Downs such as perhaps, a gate be replaced or unlocked Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring, Jack – the answer can either be “no” or “we’ll and Jill Windmills, Ditchling Beacon, do what we can” thus making a route Stanmer Park near Brighton, Beachy possible for us on our trusty scooters! Head, Birling Gap and Kingley Vale, to The atmosphere of the South Downs name a few. is unique, it is like another world when One of my favourites is from a road you are in the middle of those folds and off the A27 coming from Worthing slopes and is food for the soul. We belong towards Shoreham up a little road over to a group called The Disabled Ramblers, the Downs to Steyning. There is a car www.disabledramblers.co.uk. Worth park/layby at Titch Hill and from there having a peep if you are interested in you can do a wonderful circular ramble rambling. of about 6.5 miles taking in all the superb Val Rawlings views of the surrounding countryside and Member of The Disabled Ramblers

14 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 © SDNPA/Charlie Hellewell © SDNPA/Charlie f you’re bored of pounding the same old pavements, or you are just starting out on a couch to 5k – there are lots of paths and Black Trail tracks in the South Downs, many Iwith stunning views, waiting to be explored. Led by keen runner Phil Young and five other active founding members, Runners the Black Trail Runners is a new thriving community who seek to increase the inclusion, participation and representation of black people in trail running. The group is a force of inspiration for a growing number of people in black and ethnically- diverse communities who want to connect The Outsiders Project @ Young © Images by Phil with the outdoors. Phil explains why he helped to form the group last year, partly in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. “It started with half a dozen people across the UK who share a love of the outdoors and share a love of running,” Trail running is often says Phil, who lives in south London. “First of all it was to see if there were described as ‘running other people out there like us – of which in nature’. It’s about there were, and also to promote it, so that people who maybe wanted to try more than the typical trail running, but perhaps felt nervous relentless progress focus about being in the outdoors, could access information in a voice that they can identify of road running, it’s about with. exploring the outdoors, “One of the issues we face as people of colour in the UK is that the world is not whether that’s traversing always portrayed in a way that makes a mountain or splashing everyone feel they belong. If you look at it historically for people of colour in the through the puddles next UK, we live in urban environments. A to a meandering river. lot of accessing the outdoors is handed down generationally – how to behave in the outdoors, maybe your parents took Two key members of the Black been to the South Downs a few times you camping. We don’t necessarily have Trail Runners, Simbarashe Mugomba and it’s an incredible space. There’s great that. If you look back to the 40s and 50s, and Rachel Dench, have now been trail running and mountain biking. The our grandparents were too busy finding featured in a moving short film made in terrain is really unique – rolling chalk hills. somewhere to live and work – they didn’t conjuction with Adidas which recounts One of the main beauties of the South have that leisure time to go out and their personal journey to becoming Downs is its proximity to London – you explore. trail runners. The film aims to provoke can have a day out and be in a space “Because our communities didn’t thought, look at some of the perceived where you have acres and acres of fresh have that connection, it’s very difficult to barriers and ultimately inspire – vimeo. air, sea views and biodiversity that you hand that down to the next generation. com/530447610. don’t see in the city. So we find that young people especially Simbarashe, 38, is a big fan of the “We want this environment to last. are asking how do they access the South Downs National Park. He says: If people in the city aren’t aware of the outdoors? It’s difficult for them to “I love the trail running on the South natural environment, how can they be just say “Let’s go for a hike in the Downs – you kind of feel like you’re in expected to care for it? So I think it’s countryside”. the wilderness when you’re on top of the important that all communities come “What we’re doing with the Black Trail Downs. You also feel that connection with outside and learn and explore so they Runners is showing that there are other nature. On a windy day with the wind can take care of the planet and have people who are going out and enjoying blowing your side at the top of Ditchling an emotional investment in saving our the outdoors. We are saying ‘Why don’t Beacon, it’s an experience!” landscapes.” you come with us and we can introduce Phil is keen to share the knowledge For more information on the Black Trail you to the outdoors in a way you feel of how to experience, enjoy and care for Runners visit www.blacktrailrunners. comfortable?’ ” protected landscapes. He adds: “I’ve run

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 15 In their Footsteps A NEW WALKING TOUR APP

ith the arrival of spring, we are all keen to brush away the cobwebs of a long winter in lockdown and start getting out and about in nature once again. To celebrate we have launched a free walking tour app that gives you the chance to experience your beautiful National Park from a Wcompletely new perspective.

Writers, artists, poets and musicians Choose from three walking have long drawn inspiration from the tours that each tell the story of the landscapes of the South Downs. The characters who once lived there. South Downs National Park Authority The app is free to use and easy to has worked with three heritage venues in access – simply visit your app store East Sussex to tell their stories: Ditchling on Apple or Android and search for Museum of Art + Craft, Monks House in “In their Footsteps” to download Rodmell, and Charleston near Firle. Using directly on to your phone. this immersive audio guide, you can walk Now you can tread the paths of in the footsteps of the artists and writers those who once lived and worked who lived and worked in these unique in these unique communities and communities. celebrate how they shaped the arts for future generations.

MONK’S HOUSE Heritage ATS © journey through the countryside, finishing Starting at Southease Railway Station, at Berwick Church. This tour follows the walk the same paths that Virginia Woolf lives of the artists who sought retreat here, once walked, passing through Rodmell and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, along the banks of the River Ouse. Hear DITCHLING and explores what life was like here during about the huge impact the South Downs Ditchling was home to a community of artists the Second World War. had on Virginia’s life, including her love of and makers in the 20th century. Many of their walking and her decision to make Monk’s works are now held at the Ditchling Museum House at Rodmell her “address for ever of Art + Craft and are recognised as having and ever”. both national and international significance. This tour guides you through the local landscape, highlighting landmarks linked to the artists and makers that lived here. Against a background of industrialisation, rural living was felt to be where independent craftspeople could produce authentic work.

Virginia Woolf reading at Monk’s

Alinah Azadeh Writer, Artist and Social Activist Downs

I am a writer, artist and social activist, born in the south east to an English father and Iranian mother and have lived in Lewes with my family for 15 years. I have created art projects for more widely accessed and socially museums, galleries and across inclusive and am very excited to be diverse communities for over part of making this happen. 20 years and since 2016 I have My mother, whose deep love focused much more on my creative for her Iranian culture and for Iwriting, with short stories, interviews political freedom, gender equality © Haydn West and articles published in print and and inclusivity – in the face of bigotry and follows on from my first audio online, including in the Hidden oppression – still influences my work and story and reflects the full diversity of who © Jamie Fielding Sussex anthology (Writing our Legacy, life, loved the epic vistas of the Sussex we are now as a nation living through 2019). coast, where she first lived in Eastbourne, polarised and precarious times, as I am thrilled to be taking up the on arriving to train as a nurse in 1965. well as exploring decolonised ways of inaugural post of Writer-in-Residence for When I first visited Iran with her in my looking at landscape and our place and the Seven Sisters – as it comes into South twenties, I had a similar reaction to the identity in it. I will also be co-creating a Downs National Park Authority ownership monumental grandeur of the mountains wider participation programme inspired – until the end of 2022. My work will there as we travelled, discovering family by the central themes of the writing, in reflect the stories of the wider Sussex connections and the extraordinarily rich close partnership with the National Park Heritage Coast. heritage of this politically troubled country Authority team and supported by a major My earliest memories of the South together. project grant from Arts Council England. Downs are visiting Beachy Head, with I am currently completing my first This will introduce other emerging writers, my tiny hand firmly clasped in my vigilant novel, inspired by my mother, who died local communities and be delivered mother’s, bending backward into the in the sea and which ends on the Seven with a range of organisations, including strong winds, spotting the red and white Sisters at Birling Gap, where her ashes Writing Our Legacy, New Writing South outcrop of the lighthouse in the creamy were cast at her request. From this and ONCA, actively amplifying voices, blue sea. My partner, two children and I story ending and research into the rapid histories and a full and diverse spectrum have always enjoyed regular wanderings erosion of the cliffs, came the idea for We of experiences of landscape and into the ancient woods and chalkland See You Now, an audio story I wrote and coastline, rooted in racial, gender, class hills around us, and my current favourite recorded (www.alinahazadeh.com/live- and other forms of diversity. spot is close by, a hidden valley within works/we-see-you-now/) which invites Our two year programme will the Malling Down Nature Reserve, where listeners to reflect on their own sense of include – writer retreats, workshops, I have seen deer, Adonis blue butterflies belonging and relationship to our shared outdoor walks and live events, podcasts, and birds of prey circling overhead as I coastal land and future. online/social media events, creative circumnavigate the steep slopes of the Loss, migration, identity and the commissions and a publication (subject valley on my daily walking ritual. impermanent nature of life and our to Government guidance and restrictions Especially since the Covid crisis landscape due to climate change are on COVID). I hope it will act as a bridge to began, like many who live near the therefore close to my heart and concerns a post-Covid world with a stronger sense Downs, I go there to connect with nature, as a writer and artist, as is the power of of connection to the power, beauty and stay mentally balanced, download the creative imagination through story importance of this landscape from which new ideas and dream ahead – note, and the direct experience of nature in we imagine new futures and collective, sketchbook or voice recorder in hand. solidarity with others, to inspire a change creative possibilities. From there I develop ideas for projects or of perspective and action together. the outline of a poem or story. I feel very As part of my residency, I will be strongly that the South Downs National exploring and using the heritage and Park is incredible medicine for the soul rich metaphors of the coast to write and a free space which could be far new stories for an audiowalk series that

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 17 Chanctonbury Ring © Tim Kahane Tim Chanctonbury Ring © Photo Comp Winners A stunningly serene picture of walkers on a sunny winter’s day is the winner of the South Downs National Park’s Annual Photo Competition. hanctonbury Ring, by Tim Kahane took the top spot in the popular photography contest, which attracted over 400 entries, a Crecord-breaking number for the competition. The theme was “My Tranquil Haven” and judges agreed that Tim’s peaceful photograph met the brief perfectly, capturing a moment of serenity amid the uncertainty of 2020. The competition also included a separate category for best wildlife image – with first place going to an extraordinary photograph of a hare sprinting across a snowy field in Selborne, Hampshire, by Richard Murray. Winter Runner © Richard Murray

18 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 for fulldetails. for/photocompetition2021 October, visit some great prizesonoffer! – 10yearsandunder, and11to17–with categories forbuddingyoungphotographers will be£100andfourthprize£50. and willprovide uplifttootherpeople. of theSouthDownsthatbrightenyourday– mists oramixture ofeverything! sunsets, woodlands,blueskies,mysterious wildlife, rolling hills,rivers,coastline, sunrises, world atitsbeautifulbest–whetherthatbe inspiring imagesthatcapture thenatural prize of£250 Photography Competition,whichhasa and upliftingthemeofthisyear’s Annual you happy? amazing nature andlandscape make How doestheSouthDownsandits 2021 COMPETITION PARK NATIONAL SOUTH DOWNS WIN £250INTHE images: the followingwinning in thecompetitionwith ran youthcategories For thefirsttimewealso categories Youth The deadline for entries is midnight on 31 The deadlineforentriesismidnighton31 Meanwhile, there willbetwofurther “Nature MakesMeHappy” isthefun Second prizewillbe£150, We’re lookingforstunningphotographs Our judgeswillbelookingforawe- southdowns.gov.uk/care- . PHOTO PHOTO

COMPETITIONPHOTO

third prize first first SOUTH DOWNS VIEW –2021 19

Wonders © Neil Jones Neil © A mesmerising shot of the Milky Way over an Iron Age hillfort and SOUTH DOWNS DARK SKYSCAPES a crab venturing out for a night- category CATEGORY South Downs Dark Skyscapes time forage are among the stars of Taking the top spot in the was “Milky Way from Cissbury” by Neil Jones. The stunningly-intricate the South Downs National Park’s shot shows off the chalk landscape of Cissbury Ring with an immense astrophotography competition. view of the Milky Way, as well as night-time views of towns and cities near the National Park. ore than 150 entries were received for the National Park’s first cosmic photography contest and a judging panel chose the winners across three categories. Judging the contest was Dan Oakley, “Dark Skies” MRanger for the National Park, Graham Bryant, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Petersfield- based Tiffany Francis-Baker, author of Dark Skies.

LIVING DARK SKIEScategory, first CATEGORY prize was awarded

In the Living Dark Skies © Connor Lamb Connor © to “Starry Crab”, by Anthony Whitbourn, who captured a captivating shot of a shore crab at Cuckmere Haven.

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE CATEGORY awe- Carpenter and amateur photographer Connor Lamb’s inspiring shot of the night’s sky and the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm took the top spot in the public vote that ran throughout March. 20 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 Things that go Bump in the Night As the sun starts to set, a cathartic calm settles space, however small, by making some simple changes. Take a look at the handy over the land. One of the best things about pullout in this edition of South Downs working as an ecologist is you have a perfect View for some top tips on helping wildlife at home and join me in supporting these excuse to be out and about at dusk and dawn beautiful and unique beings. and all the hours of dark in-between, searching As the light and wildlife of daytime lifts our spirits, my advice is definitely to find for bats and the other mysterious and intriguing some time, throughout the seasons, to creatures of the night. venture out at dusk (and dawn for that matter) to enjoy the tranquillity of that ome the evening, hues ferret for worms, and hedgehogs scurry, other world, and hopefully catch a glimpse of gold, orange, pink and crunching the leaf matter between their of some of the incredible creatures that magenta paint the twilight feet, munching up slugs, and other tasty can go bump in the night! skies eventually making morsels. Amphibians such as toads, Kim Dawson, Sussex Bat Group way to unveil the darkness. frogs and newts become more active too, CAs the busying human activity and moving around and dispersing to breeding hubbub of the daylight dissipates, a or feeding spots depending on the time tranquillity takes over the land with of year. the wind and air pressure typically Barn owls silently appear as striking dropping too – this, I have read, is apparitions, and glow worms light up the something to do with the cooling of ancient, untampered grasslands, both the earth. increasingly rare and treasured sights. However, not all is quietening, as the Last spring I was treated to the sound twilight world becomes busy with the of the beautiful melodies of a nightingale emergence of crepuscular strategists singing loud and proud during the hours of and our wonderful nocturnal wildlife rising darkness. It was the highlight of my year

from their daytime resting places. Chafers, – the last time I heard a nightingale was Middleton D. – owl Tawny © beetles, bugs and flies are joined by a decade ago. So very, very uncommon beautifully diverse moth species, dancing these days, and this time brought about in the moon and starlit skies. They play a by the quietening of the roads during vital role in pollinating many of our native the first 2020 lockdown, when wildlife plant species while we rest and slumber. seemingly took back the streets. This in turn attracts the aerial acrobatic Our local wildlife is sadly becoming displays from our amazingly athletic bat rarer and is unquestionably suffering at the species catching their insect prey on the demands of indefatigable development wing. We have 17 breeding bat species pressure and agricultural burdens. here in the UK, all of which have differing Gardens, patios, windowboxes, parks habitat and feeding preferences, although and semi-natural habitats are becoming they are all insectivorous. all the more important as havens for

Listen closely and you may hear the nocturnal wildlife – especially when native © Frog – D. Middleton hooting calls of the tawny owl – with the wildflowers, trees, ponds and wilder areas “twoo” sound usually made by the male of flowering grasses are welcomed into as a territorial marker, hopefully with the the mix. I, myself, consider ‘weeds’ as responding female’s “twoo” or sharp “kee- the ornamental flower species that offer wick”. Together making the classic and nothing but superficial gratification, and well-loved duet of “twit twooooo”. They make a keen point of managing my garden are often perched on oak tree branches for our wildlife by encouraging native on the lookout for a bat or the scurrying of flowering grasses, wildflowers, nettles and a field mouse or vole to feast upon. bramble scrub; all important for supporting Foxes pierce the dark with their larval and feeding stages. You too can help

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 21 Family John Muir

2020 was a different year for us all, however in or virtually exploring the South Downs amongst the stress and uncertainty, lots of us National Park. In an unusual year the South Downs found more time for nature. Some families even National Park Authority was lucky enough took on the Family John Muir Award challenge. to partner up with Enable Ability, a Portsmouth based charity which ncouraging people to To achieve your Award all you need to supports children and adults with a range connect with, enjoy and do is 25 hours or more of activities which of disabilities, to run some John Muir care for wild places, the will help you to discover, explore and do sessions for children and their carers. Family John Muir Award something to care for a wild place, and is an environmental then share your experience with others. Eaward scheme for people of all Along the way you also discover backgrounds, it’s non-competitive, more about John Muir and other inclusive and accessible. conservationists, as well as either visiting

What are your aspirations for future Enable Ability Name: James Donougher outdoor sessions in the Job: Project Leader, Enable Ability National Park? Playing golf In November 2020, it was Favourite outdoor activity: agreed between the Cheetah Favourite animal: National Park and Enable John Muir – of course! Ability to use the John Inspired by: Muir Award as a means of helping to transform the outdoor How did you first get involved with Enable Ability? space of a care home based in North Boarhunt. We are delighted Winscombe Care Home I have been working with children and young adults since has invited us into the grounds of their incredible care home 2002, however after being made redundant in 2016, I found and given our young people an opportunity to get involved myself in a rather unfamiliar role of hosting wine tasting in so many projects. The end result will not only benefit our evenings across Hampshire for just over a year. The Enable young people but also the amazing residents of the care Ability job advert was spotted through a church website. The home which we have already grown good bonds with. We one perk of the previous job was the free leftover wine but my hope to deliver further work at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, job with Enable Ability has many more perks, the main one Stansted Park, Weald & Downland Living Museum, Butser being supporting the young people we work with to find their Ancient Farm and The Whitelands Project. Watch this space! independence in life, this is extremely rewarding! How did Enable Ability get involved with the Why is time spent in nature so important to you Family John Muir Award in the South Downs? and those involved with Enable Ability? Other than the obvious mental health benefits of being away We first contacted the South Downs National Park Authority from the city, rural days out can provide great comfort to a few years ago about volunteering opportunities for the those with stressful lives. Enable Ability is always seeking young people we work with. In 2019 we then started to new experiences or opportunities for our young people, the advertise the Family John Muir Award. Enable Ability found majority who are faced with significant barriers to achieve this initiative to be the perfect programme to provide a vehicle their own independence in life. Time in nature can provide for our young people to gain new skills, encouraging them such opportunities to find a new skill or interest which in turn to venture into the countryside more and gain confidence by gives them great satisfaction and happiness. receiving the John Muir Award at the end of the programme. By making the project an initiative where unusually our parents and carers are invited to the activities too, we thought this provided a new element which we had never tried before. 22 I’m pleased to say it works! What else would you like to do in the South Downs Name: Zak Ashmore National Park? Age: 13 Obstacle courses, Bmx Dog riding, explore the Forest of Favourite animal: Skateboarding Bere and Queen Elizabeth Country Park, climb trees, Favourite outdoor activity: : Bear Grylls and make dens, Streamex Inspired by (wading in streams), take Steve Backshall photos. How does being in nature help you? Why did you first get involved with Enable Ability? It makes you stronger and more relaxed. So I can do activities. Its helped me to have fun and make Who else do you think would benefit from some things. time in the South Downs? Why did you sign up to join the Family John Muir Everyone because it’s good! Award in the South Downs? What word sums up your time in the South Mum picked it for me because I like to go to the countryside Downs? and do activities. Tired. From all the exercise, in a good way). What did you like best about your first John Muir Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about session? your experience of taking part in the Family John Playing games outside. Muir Award in the South Downs? I’m excited to go back.

Name: Georgina Hill Age: 22 What else would you like Favourite animal: to do in the South Downs Dolphin National Park? Favourite outdoor activity: To follow a trail and explore Walking more. Inspired by: David Attenbourgh How does being in How did you get involved with Enable Ability? nature help you? I first got involved with Enable Ability for weekend activities Feel less stressed and and later for volunteering and developing independence. It keeping fit. has helped me with communicating with others, giving me a Who else do you think would benefit from social life and developing key skills. some time in the South Downs? What did you like best about your first John Muir Everyone! session? What word sums up your time in the South Exploring Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Downs? What was the most interesting thing you learnt? Happy! The age of trees can be worked out from the number of rings on the tree trunk.

Get involved with or support Enable Ability If you think you have a young person who may benefit from the services the charity provides, contact our office on 023 9267 1846 or [email protected]. uk. You can also get in touch with our office if you have an opportunity for our young people which you think they would greatly benefit from. You can also support the charity as a volunteer or Trustee and you can even donate directly to our charity. Find out more at www.enableability.org.uk or find us on FaceBook at/hampshireyp .

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – 2021 23 Protect our Pollinators By making a donation to the Bee Lines campaign you are helping key pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to thrive in the South Downs.

On the hunt for something new to listen too?

Fancy a story while you’re out exploring the stunning aiming to link more people to their local landscape, its history, countryside of the South Downs? Then look no its wildlife and habitat. further as Applause Rural Touring and South Downs Anooshka Rawden, Cultural Heritage Lead for the South National Park Authority (SDNPA) announce Full Downs National Park, said: ‘The rivers of the South Downs are Harvest – a series of audio stories and poems its lifeblood, reflecting both its chalk geology and the complex inspired by the South Downs landscape. ecosystems of habitat, animal and plant life that make this place Seven writers have been commissioned to pen ten audio so special. The Full Harvest is a chance to celebrate those rivers stories/poems, each focusing on one of the magical rivers that through the eyes of contemporary writers, who will draw on weave across the South Downs landscape. history, geography and place to weave new stories. It’s always The writers are an exciting mix of established and early- exciting to experience the landscape in different ways.’ career authors who will each provide their unique perspectives The podcasts will be launched during the summer of 2021 on the much-loved South Downs, spending time engaging with and will be available to download and listen from southdowns. the communities that live and work in the landscape to explore gov.uk, www.applause.org.uk and popular listening platforms the untold stories of everyday people. such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The ability to access open space has been highlighted through lockdown and Full Harvest champions the positive impact outdoor space can have on well-being and resilience,