SOUTHDOWNSVIEW SHARING STORIES FROM BRITAIN’S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK 2015

FOREST FAMILY HEAVENLY BECOMING A WILDLIFE FUN Page 8 HEATHLANDS Page 7 SPOTTER Page 16

Den building, hide and seek, tree The purple flash of heather or the River valleys, chalk streams, woodlands, climbing, picnicking and fungus foraging stark yellow of gorse against a multitude farmland, wet meadows and heathland are just a few activities perfect for a day in of green and brown heathland grass gives make the a great place for the woods. these sites a unique beauty. wildlife. © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa 2 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk

in 2006. Made up of a number National Park International Dark of Grade II and Grade II* listed Skies Reserve. By 2017 we expect buildings surrounded by a Gertrude the first ever South Downs Local Plan WELCOME... Jekyll designed Registered Historic to be in place and underpinning Garden – leaving the buildings to planning decisions throughout the On 31 March 2010, parishes across , West decay wasn’t an option. This was National Park in order to meet and East Sussex became part of the South Downs, the UK’s the first major development to be our responsibilities to conserve the newest National Park. One year later, the National Park approved in the National Park by landscape while serving the needs Authority (SDNPA) took responsibility for promoting its purposes the SDNPA and planners worked of our communities and the local closely with the developers to make economy. and the interests of the people who live and work within it. sure that restoration was sensitive. Together, we’re going to be very For the SDNPA three major the diverse wildlife it supports. This The project was recognised by the busy! achievements have been the has led to an increase in many rare Royal Town and Planning Institute’s establishment, from scratch, of an species with numbers of the Duke of Awards, proving that appropriate ambitious new organisation; the Burgundy exploding in the project planning can add value to protected creation of many new partnerships; area. landscapes. and the delivery of an innovative More than 162 community Over the past two years new approach to planning. But what 2 projects in our market towns, 5 we’ve been working changes have been happening on hamlets and villages across the in collaboration with local the ground in the South Downs? National Park have been supported organisations and businesses to Here are just five successes by our Sustainable Communities develop a new identity for the chosen from the many that have Fund. These include walking trails, National Park. The identity will characterised the new National food festivals, visitor guides, local add value to the work of farmers, Park’s first five years: theatre productions and community other businesses and communities Unimproved chalk grassland shops among many other things. across the National Park and is also Trevor Beattie, 1 is recognised internationally Discover five of them on page 18. designed to let people know they Chief Executive as an important and endangered Visitors and residents can are in a special place, helping us to habitat which covers only about 4 3 now enjoy nearly 10km of encourage responsible dog walking per cent of the National Park. At the new cycle paths across the National and the use of public transport. time of designation many of the rare Park, with 55km to follow over the And what will you see over the species it supports, such as the Duke next few years. This is thanks to over next five years? Work is underway of Burgundy butterfly, were under £4m investment from the central to improve our heathland and threat. We worked with partner Government’s Cycling Ambition encourage more people to travel organisations and the South Downs Fund as well as additional support here by bus and train. Over the Volunteer Ranger Service (whose from a number of local authorities. next couple of years we hope to membership has increased from Built at the start of the 20th see the shared identity being used 300 to 450 volunteers over the past 4 Century King Edward VII across the National Park and, if all five years) to conserve, enhance and hospital in was in goes to plan, parts of the National Margaret Paren, join up areas of chalk grassland and serious decline since its closure Park will form a new South Downs Chair

CONTENTS Tourist Information Points Horsham HISTORY OF THE SOUTH JOHN MUIR AWARD IN THE 01903 885866 01403 211661 DOWNS NATIONAL PARK...... 3 NATIONAL PARK...... 15 www.arundel.org.uk www.visithorsham.co.uk Bognor Regis Lewes PHOTO COMPETITION...... 4 BECOME A WILDLIFE SPOTTER.16 www.sussexbythesea.com 01273 483448 Brighton www.visitsussex.org KEEP OUR DARK SKIES DARK..... 5 WILDLIFE IN YOUR GARDEN.... 17 01273 290337 www.visitbrighton.com 01903 718984 GET TO KNOW OUR SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.... 6 Burgess Hill www.lookandsea.co.uk COMMUNITIES...... 18 01444 238202 HEAVENLY HEATHLAND...... 7 www.burgesshill.gov.uk 01730 268829 PLANNING IN THE PARK...... 19 www.petersfield-tc.gov.uk FORESTRY FAMILY FUN...... 8 GET INSPIRED...... 20 01243 775888 Seaford www.visitchichester.org 01323 897426 2015 EVENTS...... 9 WRITERS OF THE DOWNS...... 21 Eastbourne www.visitsussex.org 01323 415415 Worthing GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE...... 12 VOLUNTEERING...... 22 www.visiteastbourne.com 01903 221066 Haslemere www.visitworthing.co.uk DISCOVER THE SOUTH DOWNS GEOCACHING IN THE SOUTH 01428 645425 Winchester WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST.... 14 DOWNS...... 23 www.haslemere.com/vic/ 01962 840500 www.visitwinchester.co.uk

Cover photos: Left: Middle: Right: SDNPA/Mischa Haller THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 3

HISTORY OF THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

Beginning with the first campaigns to establish National Parks and wider public access to the countryside. Here is an overview of the history of the South Downs National Park… © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa

1923 Society of Sussex Downsmen 1956 South Downs is rejected 2003 The SDNP Public Inquiry (South Downs Society) form from list of National Parks begins – lasting 16 months, The group form due to because of post-war extensive and reconvenes in 2008. uncontrolled urban development cultivation. 2005 The Sussex Downs Conservation (Peacehaven) sprawling over 1962 East Hampshire designated an Board and the East Hampshire the Downs. Further east, coastal Area of Outstanding Natural AONB merge to form the South downland at Crowlink is saved by Beauty (AONB) Downs Joint Committee. public subscription. 1966 Sussex Downs designated an 2009 Confirmation 1929 Council for Preservation of AONB On 31 March 2009 Secretary of Rural (CPRE) urge the State Hilary Benn announces that setting up of National Parks in 1972 South Downs Way opens the Government are to confirm the British Isles A definitive line running from the South Downs National Park. The Eastbourne Corporation Eastbourne to is agreed. 2010 South Downs National Park is purchases its Downs (4000 acres) 1990 Following a series of designated to protect it from development. damaging developments a Britain’s 15th National Park with Three years later County Councils new South Downs National a shadow National Park Authority in the South Downs can buy Park (SDNP) campaign in place. out the development rights of emerges. landowners in order to protect the 2011 South Downs National Park 1992 The Sussex Downs area. Authority is fully operational. Conservation Board (SDCB) 1932 Mass trespass on Kinder established as a six year 2012 The 2050 Vision for the SDNP Scout (Peak District) increases National experiment in AONB is adopted and the State of pressure for National Parks management. the National Park report is published. 1934 South Downs Preservation Bill 1995 South Downs Way officially 1936 Standing Committee on reaches Winchester 2013 Five year South Downs National Park Partnership National Parks (SCNP) is 1998 Countryside Commission says Management Plan is formed that the “South Downs do not published. The Government are urged to meet the criteria” for National protect and allow access to the Park designation. The SDCB 2015 South Downs National Park countryside for the Nation. is extended for three years, then celebrates its fifth anniversary. 1947 Hobhouse Report another three years... Following the Dower Report, the 1999 Labour announce start of government sets up a committee process to create new National to prepare for National Park Parks in the South Downs and legislation. The South Downs is New Forest. included in the list of proposed The Countryside Agency (formerly National Parks. the Commission) says the SDNP 1949 The National Parks & Access to meets the criteria. the Countryside Act establishes 2000 Designation process begins. National Parks, with purposes and a management 2001 Public boundary consultation framework. begins. 1951 Peak District designated as first 2002 The Countryside Agency National Park publishes the SDNP Designation Order. © SDNPA/Sam Moore © SDNPA/Sam SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 4 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk

The South Downs National Park is pretty st special. In fact it won’t 1 surprise you to hear that people come from all over the world to take in famous sights like the Seven Sisters cliffs.

But we know there’s much more to our story than these iconic views, so this year we set a challenge for photographers – amateur or professional – to capture ‘Hidden Gems’. The judges were very impressed with the results. In fact, the quality was so high that a shortlist of their favourite eight photos was opened up to a ‘people’s choice’ vote with First prize went to this ethereal an additional prize of £100. PHOTO photograph of a dew pond at dusk by Andy Flowerday. Taken near Jack & Jill WINNING PHOTO windmills at Clayton the judges felt it fit “For some this is as far from a COMPETITION the theme perfectly. typical view of the South Downs as you can get, it’s a magical photo and the longer you look the better it HUNTING OUT THE HIDDEN GEMS OF THE SOUTH DOWNS gets,” said Nick Heasman, Western Flowerday © SDNPA/Andy Area Manager for the South Downs National Park Authority. A surprising shot of a “This is a cracking shot. A technically surfer wading into the sea excellent photograph even in this 2nd at sunrise won third place 3rd exceptionally strong shortlist. I for Ivan Talboys am impressed by the talent out there,” said Steve Watkins, Editor of Outdoor Photography Magazine and competition judge. Hulme © SDNPA/Neil

SECOND PRIZE Taken by Neil Hulme in Woods, the judges were impressed with the originality of the composition which draws you in to a private moment in a lush woody A partly hidden cyclist resting in the world. shade of a leafy wood came close second.

THIRD PRIZE Talboys © SDNPA/Ivan As well as the balance of the image PEOPLE’S CHOICE the judges loved how it captured We suspect that Andy Walker such a personal moment. Few knows this spot particularly well people think of coming to the South and hypnotic patterns made by the Downs to ride surf but this surfer has golden bales offset by the dramatic followed the weather to Tidemills to sky seem to have moved you as get his fix. much as they did us.

PHOTO COMPETITION 2015–16 ‘FRESH PERSPECTIVES’ Think you can do better? Show us the National Park from a quirky new angle: from above, from a bus, in the dark – it’s up to you. Our 2015–16 photo competition theme is Fresh Perspectives. First prize is £250, second prize is £150 and third prize is £50. And this year, to highlight our campaign to become an International Dark Straw bales at Long Furlong was by far and away the Skies Reserve, we have a special prize of £100 for the best photo of the people’s favourite – getting almost 30 per cent of the votes.

South Downs by starlight. Walker © SDNPA/Andrew Find out more and download an entry form at www.southdowns.gov.uk/photo2015 THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 5

FIVE TOP CONSTELLATIONS Keep your eye out for these constellations KEEP OUR DARK throughout 2015 APRIL – CANCER THE CRAB In April look to the Southern sky to spot SKIES DARK Cancer the Crab. The Cancer bright star just to the left is Jupiter and the beehive cluster of stars – M44 Praesepe – sits between the eyes of the crab.

JUNE – SCORPIUS During summer look for the Scorpius constellation rising late on the southern horizon. The wide but feint haze to the left of Scorpius Scorpius is the Milky Way. You might be lucky enough to look around at the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park everyday but how often do you look up? The South Downs is a great place to experience the best free light show there AUGUST – PERSEUS AND THE METEORS is, with twinkling stars, whizzing shooting stars and even bright planets The best meteor shower in scattered across the night sky. the UK occurs around 10 © SDNPA/Sean Lewis © SDNPA/Sean August in the constellation Perseus Perseus, in the north-east Less than 10 per cent of the UK population sky under the easy to spot top stargazing locations in the South Downs can see the beauty of a natural night sky full ‘W’ of the constellation of stars. With the south east rated as one of 1. area – explore the Open Cassiopeia. the most light-polluted regions of the UK we are Access land on , extremely lucky to have some ‘truly dark’ areas in and commons. the South Downs. OCTOBER – LEO 2. Queen Elizabeth Country Park – However, as the most populated National Park THE LION get closer to the stars on top of Butser Hill. Early risers will see Jupiter, in the UK light pollution threatens to ruin these Mars and Venus very Leo dark skies for everyone. 3. The Downland car parks – Firle, close together under the Down, and the Trundle make great Why are dark skies important? constellation of Leo in the stargazing points along the South Downs Around 30 per cent of vertebrates and 60 per eastern sky. Leo is easy Ridge. to spot lying under the cent of invertebrates are nocturnal and several big dipper with the two species depend on darkness for survival. 4. Birling Gap – visit when the tide is out for a brightest stars near it paws. Dark Skies Dan, a National Park Ranger, spectacular star gazing location. explains, ‘Even in the countryside, unnecessary, 5. Old Winchester Hill – descend into the poorly aimed and overly bright floodlights DECEMBER –­ valley or stay up top and take in the Milky and security lights can affect the day–night cycles, CYGNUS THE Way while the glow from Southampton sits SWAN behaviour, feeding and mating patterns of on the horizon. In the western sky early Cygnus bats, birds, moths, glow-worms and many evening this constellation other species.’ top tips for a great starry night photo is formed in a cross with ‘Not only does light pollution threaten the the North American existence of these animals, it stops us from 1. Use a tripod. Nebula sitting just off its being able to see the true beauty of our night tail. 2. With the widest F-Stop available; skies with the naked eye. Although getting a Images © http://stellarium.org experiment with ISO settings between close-up look at the moon or the planets through 400-1600. a telescope is great, nothing beats being able to look up as you’re getting off the bus or taking the 3. Use a 10 second delay (self-timer) and set bins out and see a sky full of stars sparkling back the exposure to around 25–30 seconds –­ at you.’ t­he delay will eliminate button-press shake. Pledge to save the dark skies 4. Try briefly illuminating landscape features You can help protect the dark skies of the South in the foreground by quickly flashing a Downs (and therefore the wildlife) by showing torch. your support for the National Park’s application 5. Beat the cold. Wrap up warm and take for International Dark Skies Reserve (IDSR) status. spare batteries! As part of this bid we need to show that people living in and around the South Downs support the application, so take the Dark Skies Pledge here If you get a good shot enter it into the Dark www.southdowns.gov.uk/darkskiespledge Night Skies section of this years photo competition – see page 4 for details. © SDNPA/Sean Lewis © SDNPA/Sean

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 6 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE © SDNPA/Sam Moore © SDNPA/Sam

The South Downs National Park has something for everyone. Whether you live here, you’re visiting for a day or a week, you love the adrenaline thrill of speeding REASONS SOMPRITI down hills on your bike or you’re looking for a new place to explore. MEMBERS LOVE WALKING:

Sussex Community Development for their friends and family. They laughed. And we enjoyed our Association (SCDA) aims to make a also received first aid training to efforts for carrying on.’ difference to communities in Sussex ensure they were prepared for any through a variety of projects and eventuality. Sompriti group member. 1 initiatives. One recent project called Sompriti, involved working with the ‘Walking is a different experience One participant said, ‘I learnt WE LEARN NEW THINGS South Downs National Park Authority every time. It opens horizons of about a lot of new things and feel more experienced about walking to set up a walk leader training thinking outside the box. It not course for local communities who and more confident to do it very had never enjoyed the South Downs. only gives healthy living options often. I get to know about new Fourteen women from a range but also improves our ability to places and views and also how to 2 of backgrounds including Indian, challenge and push the limits to do organise before walking what the Kenyan, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, things are we need to take and how WE CONNECT WITH more both physically and mentally. NATURE Turkish, South African, Chinese, to prepare ourselves. Because we I remember one of the walks when Malaysian, Sri-Lankan and Jamaican go with friends it makes me more took part. The course focused we were walking to the Barn in relaxed, we talk, laugh and find out on providing the knowledge and Seaford and got lost on the way. new things. After the training I got confidence to explore the South Yet we got to a new place. We more confident and got to know new Downs and share their new passion places. Now I know if visitors come 3 for the place by leading walks from where to take them to WE SEE FRIENDS AND explore the local nature and take in SOCIALISE some fresh air. ’ This project has been a great success with the women now organising their own walks across the South Downs. The group are 4 keen to continue developing this work and SCDA Sompriti will be WE CAN SHARE THINGS supporting them wherever possible. WITH OUR FAMILIES

‘Now I know if visitors come from London where to take them to explore the local nature and take 5 in some fresh air.’ WE FEEL HEALTHY, FRESH Sompriti group member. AND ACTIVE! © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa

THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 7 © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa HEAVENLY HEATHLAND The purple flash of heather or the stark yellow of gorse against a backdrop of green and brown gives HEATHLANDS REUNITED PROJECT heathlands a unique beauty. Chalk escarpments define In the spring of 2014 a Heritage Lottery Fund the east of the National Park, but as you move north- Development Grant enabled the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and a range of west, the landscape changes. partners (see below) to begin a 5 year project to restore and connect areas of rare heathland. Open hills give way to a beguiling Petersfield Heath: The Heathland Reunited project aims to achieve network of ancient hedge-lined Here you’ll find 21 Bronze Age better, larger areas of sustainably managed heath lanes, dense tracts of woodland, and barrows set in grassland and within the South Downs National Park which will eventually cover an area heath. Although they have a mystical woodland next to the beautiful heath greater than 1,200 football pitches. Working with partners this project will beauty and a wealth of wildlife, pond. connect existing heathland sites through the creation of wildlife corridors our heathlands are now rarer than : between current ‘island’ heath sites where wildlife has previously been rainforest and are one of our most This wooded heath, formerly a isolated and vulnerable. This project also aims to help heathland users threatened habitats covering a mere medieval hunting ground and site and local communities learn more about their heathlands and in turn 1 per cent (1,595 hectares) of the of Iron Age and Roman discoveries help to protect this vital habitat. South Downs National Park. of national significance, is now the The Heathlands Reunited project is being carried out in partnership Although small in size the only place in the British Isles where with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (MOD), Forestry heathlands of the South Downs are you can find all 12 native species of Commission, Natural England, Hampshire County Council, Amphibian rich in wildlife and beauty so here reptile and amphibian. & Reptile Conservation Trust, Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust, The are some top tips to help you explore Lynchmere Society, National Trust, RSPB and . Wiggonholt Common: these fascinating locations… To keep up to date with progress on the Heathlands Reunited project Located beside the Pulborough visit our website www.southdowns.gov.uk 5 HEATHLAND SITES TO EXPLORE Brooks RSPB reserve you can spot IN THE SOUTH DOWNS… species such as the hardy bell heather which thrives on the sandy Iping and Stedham Commons: types of plant can be found growing All of these sites can be reached by soil. This lowland heath is one of the on what is one of the largest areas of public transport, visit richest examples of heathland Lullington Heath: chalk heath in Britain. www.traveline.info to plan your remaining in West Sussex and is a Visit in August to see the beautiful adventure! great place to spot the silver studded pink of the heather against the yellow, blue butterfly. coconut-scented gorse bushes. 250

SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR ON OUR HEATHS…

© Anne Katrin Purkiss Katrin Anne ©

Wildlife Trust Wildlife

© Paul Roberts/Sussex Roberts/Sussex Paul © © Nigel Symington Nigel ©

© Hugh Clark/Sussex Wildlife

© Nigel Symington

Natterjack Toad – Identified by the Sundew – Traps and digests insects Silver Studded Blue Butterfly – Sand Lizard – Reaching lengths of Dartford Warbler – Unlike other toad ‘walk’ and a bold yellow stripe to get nutrients in its harsh acidic Identified by silvery blue spots on 20cm they have brown patterns on British warblers these hardy birds down the centre of its back.. environment. the underside of its hind wings. their back and two strong dorsal don’t migrate for winter. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW stripes. 8 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk

SOUTH DOWNS FORESTRY AND WOODLAND PARTNERSHIP Ancient woodland covers 17,351 hectares of the South Downs National Park which, in terms of percentage cover, is more than five times the national average. The South Downs Forestry and Woodland Partnership project aims to bring more woodland into active management, improve its’ biodiversity and ensure its’ future contribution to the National Park’s landscapes. Forestry and Woodland Development Officer, Nina Williams explains, ‘Woodland forms a fundamental part of the character of the National Park and FORESTRY contributes to the wider environment in terms of landscape, biodiversity, recreation, well-being and economic

FAMILY FUN Haller © SDNPA/Mischa development. This project will give particular emphasis to the sustainable Den building, hide and seek, tree climbing, picnicking and fungus foraging are just a management of ancient woodland and few activities perfect for a day in the woods. With over 38,000 hectares of woodland, the restoring the ecological value of planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS) – sites South Downs National Park has more woodland than any other National Park in England where the semi-natural woodland has and Wales making it the perfect place for some forestry fun. been replaced with a plantation.’ This partnership brings together The South Downs has a rich and diverse mix of a great place to meet friends and family (www3. landowners, land managers and woodland types, including some of the largest yew hants.gov.uk/countryside/qecp.htm). contractors to develop and respond woodlands in the UK, steep valley sides cloaked in „„Go Ape at Alice Holt ­– act like a monkey on the to markets and business opportunities hanger woodlands, large oak and beech woodlands zip wires and rope ladders in the treetops of Alice from wood-fuel to sustainable and traditional coppice woodland. 45 per cent is Holt Forest. Enter our competition below to win a construction.If you own a woodland classed as Ancient and Semi-Natural woodland, voucher for all the family. within the National Park and would meaning the land has been under constant tree „„Cycle through Friston Forest – explore the like a free consultation regarding cover for more than 400 years. Think of the stories cycling trails of this leafy beech wood in East management for timber, wildlife or these trees could tell if they could talk… Sussex. amenity get in touch with Nina to Woods are fantastic places to look and listen „„Soak up some history at Kingley Vale – take find out more – Nina.Williams@ for wildlife, you can spot something different each southdowns.gov.uk 02392 572606. season. Listen for the sound of the cuckoo in a stroll through the magical yew trees of this summer, or spot a low-flying barn owl hunting in the peaceful site just outside of Chichester – some of winter. these trees are the oldest living things in Britain! Why not take your camera with you and get some „„Unwind in – this snaps of your adventures for our photo competition woodland near offers (see page 4). With the theme focused on ‘A Fresh great towering cathedrals of BECOME A TREE TRACKER! Perspective’ you could try to capture the view of the beech to sit beneath and listen While playing in the woods why not become a tree tracker and learn forest as a tiny insect on the leafy floor? to the wind rustle through the to identify the different types of trees you see with the Woodland leaves. Trust’s helpful guide (www.woodlandtrust.org.uk). Here are 5 leaf woodland activities in the South Travelling by bus or train lets the species to get you started… Downs adventure start sooner so visit „„BBQ at Queen Elizabeth Country Park www.traveline.info/se to plan – offering a number of bookable fixed BBQs, your journey. picnic benches, shelters and large spaces, this is

WIN Go Ape vouchers Special Offer worth £100 Get an exclusive 10%* off bookings at Go Ape Alice Holt by ASH To win Go Ape vouchers worth £100 visiting or calling goape.co.uk HAWTHORN simply answer this question… 0845 643 9215 and quoting the What percentage of woodland in the South promo code DVC15. Downs National Park is classed as Ancient and *Offer valid until 30 November Semi-Natural? 2015; excludes Tree Top Junior, Send your answer, name and contact details Saturdays and Corporate Events. to [email protected] (detailing ‘SDV Discount code must be entered at – competition’ in the subject box) by 5pm on time of booking. Only valid at Alice Friday 24 July 2015. Holt. Participation and supervision YEW ratios apply – please see the Go Ape OAK website above. BEECH

THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 9

17 MAY 30 MAY Brinsbury Show and Country Fayre Lewes Hike & Bike Festival Launch Brinsbuy College, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1DL ‎ Lewes town centre, East Sussex www.chichester.ac.uk/Courses/Visit-Us/Events www.leweshikeandbike.co.uk 2015 EVENTS 01243 786321 FREE ADMISSION Your guide to what’s happening across the South Downs 20 MAY Virginia Woolf’s Garden National Park this summer. Monk’s House Garden, The Street, Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex JUNE For full details of these and many more events, visit our website at BN7 3HF www.southdowns.gov.uk. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/monks-house/things-to-see-and-do/ 5 JUNE events Midsummer Nights Dream Party (in aid of Chestnut Please note that entrance charges may apply to the events listed and that 01273 474760 Tickets: £12 Tree House) Stanmer House, Stanmer Village, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QA events may be subject to change or cancellation without notice. 22 MAY Bats and Bangers www.stanmerhouse.co.uk 01273 680400 Tickets: See website for details APRIL 3–4 MAY Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters Food & Folk Festival Country Park, Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD 5–7 JUNE www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson The Garden Show comes to for its 10 APRIL & Downland Open Air Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, West Sussex PO18 0EU 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members – Adults £4, 21st year Welcoming the Wheatears – guided walk Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DU www.wealddown.co.uk/events/food-and-folk Children £6.50, Non-Members – Adults £5. Children £8.50 (please Starting from the bridge over the River Ouse on Cliffe High Street, www.Stanstedpark.co.uk 01243 881348 Tickets: Adults £11, Seniors £10, Children book in advance) Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2AH 02392 412265 Tickets: See website for details www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/events 4-15 years £6, Family £31, Registered disabled £5. Prices exclude 23–31 MAY 07827 830891 FREE ADMISSION Gift Aid. Wild @ White’s African Safari – Children Half Term 6 JUNE Make a lino print (7-11 years) 7 MAY trails and quizzes as they search for the Quagga… 11–12 APRIL Gilbert White’s house, The Wakes, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling, East Shepherding & Shepherds Huts Musical Evening – Students from Chichester 3JH Sussex BN6 8SP Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, West University with Susan Legg www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org/events www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/events Sussex PO18 0EU Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DU 01420 511275 Normal entrance fee 01273 844744 Tickets: £20 (please bring a packed lunch) www.wealddown.co.uk/events www.Stanstedpark.co.uk Tickets: 01243 881348 Tickets: Normal entrance fee (see website 02392 412265 25 MAY 6–7 JUNE Tickets: See website for details Amongst the Rockpools Raven Tor Living History Group bring Bignor Roman for details) Villa to life 8–10 MAY Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters 11–12 APRIL Country Park, Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1PH Saddlescombe Lambing Weekend The Petworth Park Antiques and Fine Art Fair www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk Saddlescombe Road, near Brighton, West Sussex BN45 7DE Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE 01273 497561 SWT Members – Adults £2.50, 01798 869259 Tickets: Adults £6, Seniors & Students www.camillaandroly.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house Tickets: Children £5, Non-Members – Adults £3.50, Children £7 (please £4.50, Children £3.50, Family (2 Adults 2 Children) £16 01273 857062 Tickets: Adults £6, Children £3, Family (2 01798 342207 Tickets: £5 book in advance) 6–14 JUNE (9 DAY WALK) adults and 2 children under 16) £15 9 MAY Annual South Downs Way Walk Plumpton College Open Day 25–29 MAY 17 APRIL Pick up points are as follows: Chichester Northgate Car Park, Ditchling Road, Plumpton, Sussex BN7 3AE Wild in the Park Summer Migrant Birds Return to Lewes – guided Northgate, PO19 6AA, Arundel Railway Station on A27, BN18 www.plumpton.ac.uk/page/open-days/154 Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE walk 9PH, Worthing Lyons Farm Retail Centre, Lyons Way, BN14 9LA, 01273 890454 Tickets: Adults £7.50, Seniors £3, Under www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house Starting from the bridge over the River Ouse on Cliffe High Street, Shoreham-by-sea, Holmbush Retail Centre, Upper Shoreham Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2AH 16’s FREE ADMISSION 0844 249 1895 Tickets: Adults £3, Children £10 (includes lunch, please book in advance). BN43 6TD www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/events 9–10 MAY www.southdownsway.com 07827 830891 Tickets: Suggested £3 donation West Dean House Opening 25–29 MAY Big Spring Dig 01903 813381 Tickets: £227 18 APRIL West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ www.westdean.org.uk Storrington, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 4HG 6 JUNE & 29 AUGUST Spring Flower Walk Jazz and Pimms 012543 818238 Tickets: Adults £9, Children FREE www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house wood, Woolbeding Parkland, Woolbeding, West Sussex Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex ADMISSION 01798 342207 FREE ADMISSION GU29 9RR GU31 5QR www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside SUNDAY 10 MAY –10AM-5PM 26 MAY Seven Sisters Wild Beachies Half Term Holiday Club – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark 01730 816638 Tickets: Adults £3, Children £2 The South Downs Green Fair – FREE activities for 01730 825415 Tickets: Normal entrance fee children and adults Claws and Tentacles 19 APRIL Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters 7 JUNE Meon Springs Country Experience Day Droxford Road, East Meon, Hampshire GU32 1HR Country Park, Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD Winchester Criterium and Cycle Fest Whitewool Farm, East Meon, Hampshire GU32 1HW www.southdownsgreenfair.org www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson Broadway area of the High Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LA www.meonsprings.com/country-day 01730 823166 Tickets: Adults £7, Children £4 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members – £13.50, Non- www.winchestercriterium.org 01730 823134 Tickets: Adults £5, Children £2.50 Members – £17 (please book in advance) 01962 848274 Tickets: See website for details 25 APRIL 14 MAY Wild nightlife night time safari 28 MAY 7 JUNE Dawn Chorus Artistic Ramblings on the Downs Northwood, Slindon Estate Top Rd, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0RG Slindon Estate,Top Rd, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0RG Birling Gap Bioblitz Birling Gap, East Dean, near Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 0AB Monk’s House, The Street, Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3HF www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/things-to-see-and-do/ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/things-to-see-and-do/ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/monks-house/things-to-see-and-do/ events events things-to-see-and-do/events events 01243 814730 Tickets: £5 adult, £3 child (food and drinks 01243 814730 Tickets: £3 adult, £2 child (hot drinks 01323 423197 01273 474760 Tickets: £10 included) included) FREE ADMISSION 15–25 MAY 30 MAY 7 JUNE 26 APRIL Frog Firle Farm Open Day Saddlescombe Farm Open Day Charleston annual literary Festival Discovery Run Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE Frog Firle Farm Alfriston Road Alfriston East Sussex BN26 5TT Saddlescombe Farm, Saddlescombe Road, near Brighton, West Charleston, Firle, Lewes BN8 6LL www.thediscoveryrun.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/ Sussex BN45 7DE www.charleston.org.uk 01323 811 626 Tickets: from £14.00 01798 342207 Tickets: See website for details things-to-see-and-do/events www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/things-to-see-and-do/ 01323 423197 FREE ADMISSION events 16–17 MAY 30 MAY 01273 857712 Tickets: Adult £5, Child £3, Family £13 Water Matters – Gauge meets Biosphere Den Building at Uppark 11–13 JUNE Circus Street old market, Brighton, East Sussex BN3 1AS Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex South of England show www.brightonfestival.org GU31 5QR South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TL www.seas.org.uk/summer-show MAY 01273 709709 FREE ADMISSION www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark 01730 825415 Tickets: Normal entrance fee 01444 892700 Tickets: Adults £10, Seniors/Students £8, Family (2 Adults 2 Children) £25 2–3 MAY Medieval Midhurst 13–14 JUNE Market Square, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9NJ ‎ Chawton Open Gardens www.visitmidhurst.com FREE ADMISSION THE SOUTH DOWNS GREEN FAIR Chawton House Library, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ www.chawtonhouse.org Tickets: £10 adults, Children FREE 2 MAY FREE activities for children and adults Beltain; Burning of the Wicker Man ADMISSION Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Sunday 10 May 2015–10am–5pm 14 JUNE Hampshire, PO8 0BG Fairy Festival: Storytelling and wand making www.butserancientfarm.co.uk The Sustainability Centre in the heart of Hampshire Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, 023 9259 8838 Tickets: Advance – Adults £15, Children Droxford Road, East Meon, Hampshire GU32 1HR Hampshire, PO8 0BG £10; On the door – Adults £20, Children £15 www.butserancientfarm.co.uk 023 9259 8838 Tickets: Normal entrance fee 3 MAY A fantastic day out with a broad range of family- Dawn Chorus friendly activities such as demonstrations of bush- 19–21 JUNE Classroom, , Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD craft; clay sculpting; Hand to Mouth Theatre Company; clay oven Design & Craft Fair www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members £15, Non-members building; talks and presentations; performance poetry; belly dancing; www.westdean.org.uk £18 plant and seed swap; local crafts people, as well as fantastic music, local 012543 818238 Tickets: Adults £9, Children FREE ales and organic local food. ADMISSION www.southdownsgreenfair.org 01730 823166 Tickets: Adults £7, Children £4 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW Purkiss Photo © Anne Katrin 10 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk

19 JULY 1 AUGUST Opera in the Orchard at Charleston Kite Making at Uppark LEWES HIKE & BIKE FESTIVAL Charleston, Firle, Lewes East Sussex BN8 6LL Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex FREE ADMISSION (please book in advance) www.charleston.org.uk GU31 5QR 01323 811 626 Tickets: £25.00 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark 30 May–21 June 2015 21–22 JULY 01730 825415 Tickets: £2.50 plus normal entrance fee A full three-week programme of guided walks Twelfth Night at Charleston 1–2 AUGUST Charleston, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LL Flint Knapping Demonstration Day and rides around Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, www.charleston.org.uk Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Peacehaven and Ringmer that has something for 01323 811 626 Tickets: £18 Hampshire, PO8 0BG everyone. With its undulating landscapes, breath 23 JULY www.butserancientfarm.co.uk Nature at Night 023 9259 8838 Tickets: Normal entrance fee taking views and a sea that sparkles in the sunshine, the countryside and Harting Down, West Sussex GU31 5PN 2 AUGUST coastline around Lewes provide some of the best walking and cycling www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside Dog Fun Day anywhere in the South East. 01730 816638 Tickets: Adults £3, Children £2 (please Woolbeding Parkland, West Sussex (see website for location details) book in advance) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside Join one of the Festival walks or rides to meet new friends and explore 23 JULY–2 SEPTEMBER 01730 816638 FREE ADMISSION the spectacular landscapes and history around Lewes. Walks and rides Quiz Trails at Uppark 3 AUGUST start from towns and villages right across and most are Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex Summer Special – Seven Sisters Family Event GU31 5QR Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters free to join. For full details visit www.leweshikeandbike.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark Country Park Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD Photo © SDNPA/Mischa Haller Photo © SDNPA/Mischa 01730 825415 Tickets: Normal entrance fee www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson 20 JUNE 3–5 JULY 23 JULY–31 AUGUST 01273 497561 FREE ADMISSION (suggested £3 Early Bird Breakfast Walk Historic Gardens Weekend Wild Explorers donation to cover cost of materials) Harting Down, West Sussex GU31 5PN Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, West Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH 5 AUGUST 01730 816638 Tickets: Adults £5, Children £3 (please Sussex PO18 0EU www.marwell.org.uk/planning_your_day/whats_on Wild Orienteering – Seven Sisters Family Event book in advance) www.wealddown.co.uk/events/historic-gardens-weekend 01962 777407 Tickets: Normal entrance fee Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters 20 JUNE 01243 881348 Tickets: Adults £11, Seniors £10, Children 24 JULY Country Park Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD Summer Natural Dyeing Workshop (adults) 4–15 years £6, Family £31, Registered disabled £5. Prices exclude Try it! Family Archaeology Day www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling, East Gift Aid. Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, 01273 497561 FREE ADMISSION (suggested £3 Sussex BN6 8SP 3–5 JULY Hampshire, PO8 0BG donation to cover cost of materials) www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/events Stanmer House Beer and Music Festival www.butserancientfarm.co.uk 6 AUGUST 01273 844744 Tickets: £80 inc. materials, lunch & Stanmer House, Stanmer Village, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QA 023 9259 8838 Tickets: Normal entrance fee Bug Hunt refreshments www.stanmerhouse.co.uk 25 JULY–30 AUGUST Harting Down, West Sussex GU31 5PN 20–21 JUNE 01273 680400 FREE ADMISSION Wild at Art www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside Unusual Plant Fair 5 JULY Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE 01730 816638 Tickets: Children £2 Gilbert White’s house, The Wakes, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 Railway Land Festival www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house 7 AUGUST 3JH Linklater Pavilion, Railway Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2FG 01798 342207 Tickets: Children £6 Seven Sisters Holiday Club – Wild Beachies – Crabs www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org/events www.railwaylandproject.org 25 JULY Ahoy! 01420 511275 Tickets: £7 Telephone: 01273 487798 Tickets: Call to confirm Countryside Crafts Day Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters 20–21 JUNE 4–5 JULY Swan Barn Farm, Black Down Estate, Collards Lane, Haslemere, Country Park Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD Wood Show Raven Tor Living History Group bring Bignor Roman Surrey GU27 2HU www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, West Villa to life www.nationaltrust.org.uk/swanbarnfarm/things-to-see-and-do/ 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members £13.50, Non- Sussex PO18 0EU Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1PH events Members £17 www.wealddown.co.uk/events/wood-show www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk 01428 652359 FREE ADMISSION 7–9 AUGUST 01798 869259 Tickets: Adults £6, Seniors & Students 01243 881348 Tickets: Adults £11, Seniors £10, Children 28 JULY Chilli Fiesta 4-15 years £6, Family £31, Registered disabled £5. Prices exclude £4.50, Children £3.50 Family (2 Adults 2 Children) £16 Seven Sisters Holiday Club – Wild Woodies – Ship West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ Gift Aid. 8 JULY Wrecked www.westdean.org.uk 21 JUNE Evening in the Garden – a garden tour with the head Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre, Seven Sisters 012543 818238 Tickets: Adults from £10, Children £1 Father’s Day Trail and Picnic gardener Country Park, Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD 8 AUGUST Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson Ancients Sports (falconry and archery) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house GU31 5QR 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members £13.50, Non- Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex 01798 342207 FREE ADMISSION www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark Members £17 GU31 5QR 01730 825415 Tickets: £15 (including Pimms and 21 JUNE 30 JULY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark Fathers Day – Free entry for dads at Stansted House canapés, please book in advance) Seven Sisters Holiday Club – Wild Woodies – Green 01730 825415 Tickets: Normal entrance fee Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DU 10 JULY Art 8–9 AUGUST www.Stanstedpark.co.uk An Evening with Glow Worms Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre, Seven Sisters Raven Tor Living History Group bring Bignor Roman 02392 412265 Tickets: See website for details Oasis Fellowship Hall, Hangleton Way, Hangleton, Hove, East Sussex Country Park, Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD Villa to life BN3 8EQ 24 JUNE www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1PH Pride & Prejudice, an innovative new adaption www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members £13.50, Non- www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DU 01273 497561 Tickets: Members £15, Non-Members £18 Members £17 01798 869259 Tickets: Adults £6, Seniors & Students www.Stanstedpark.co.uk (please book in advance) £4.50, Children £3.50 Family (2 Adults 2 Children) £16 02392 412265 Tickets: See website for details 11 JULY 10 AUGUST 26 JUNE Fete in the Park AUGUST When the Tide Goes Out – Seven Sisters Family Sunset Party in the Park Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE Event Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house 1–2 AUGUST Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters www.marwell.org.uk/planning_your_day/whats_on 01798 342207 FREE ADMISSION Gilberts Games & Annual Country Fair Country Park Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD 01962 777407 Tickets: Normal entrance fee 11–12 JULY Gilbert White’s house, The Wakes, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson 3JH 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members – Adults £2.50, 26–28 JUNE Listermania Railway Gala Weekend Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema at Stanmer House Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, Station Road, Amberley, www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org/events Children £5, Non-Members – Adults £3.50, Children £7 (please Stanmer House, Stanmer Village, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QA near Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT 01420 511275 Tickets: £8 book in advance) www.stanmerhouse.co.uk www.amberleymuseum.co.uk 01273 680400 Tickets: See website for details 01798 831370 Tickets: Normal entrance fee 15 JULY Woolbeding Wildlife at Dusk JULY Older Hill, Woolbeding Common, Woolbeding, West Sussex GU29 DOG FUN DAY 9RR FREE ADMISSION 2 August 2015 1–31 JULY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside Teddy Bear Trail 01730 816638 Tickets: Adults £3, Children £2 Woolbeding Parkland, West Sussex (see website Gilbert White’s house, The Wakes, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 18–19 JULY for location details) 3JH Creepy Crawlies Weekend www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org/events Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5QS A day of doggie fun for all the family. Activities on 01420 511275 Tickets: Normal entrance fee www.drusillas.co.uk the day include a fun dog show with categories such 01323 874100 Tickets: See website for details 3, 17, 31, JULY & 14 AUGUST as ‘best owner-dog look alike’, as well as gun dog, Summer Lecture Series 19 JULY Monk’s House, The Street, Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3HF Rare & Traditional Breeds Show – 30th Anniversary dog agility and obedience demonstrations. Local food and drink will be www.nationaltrust.org.uk/monks-house/things-to-see-and-do/ Show available as well as the opportunity to learn more about responsible dog Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, West events walking in the South Downs. 01273 474760 Tickets: £10 Sussex PO18 0EU www.wealddown.co.uk/events/rare-and-traditional-breeds-show www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside 01243 881348 Tickets: Adults £11, Seniors £10, Children 4–15 years £6, Family £31, Registered disabled £5. Prices exclude 01730 816638

Gift Aid. Haller Photo © SDNPA/Mischa THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 11

12 AUGUST 5 SEPTEMBER Bats in the Belfry Alresford Agricultural Show St Mary’s Church, Church Hill, Slindon, West Sussex BN18 0RB Tichborne Park, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0PN SECRETS OF THE HEATH www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/things-to-see-and-do/ www.alresfordshow.co.uk FREE ADMISSION 5–6 September events 01962 738748 Tickets: Adults £15, Seniors £11, Under 01243 814730 Tickets: Adult £3, Children £2 15’s Free when accompanied by an adult. Petersfield Heath, Petersfield, Hampshire 12 AUGUST 6 SEPTEMBER GU31 4LA Gruffalo Day – Seven Sisters Family Event Make a Wild Animal Home at Uppark Discover the history of South Downs heathland! You’ll Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex Country Park Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD GU31 5QR come face-to-face with heathland characters from www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark pre-historic to present times. Watch re-enactments 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members – Adults £2.50, 01730 825415 Tickets: Normal entrance fee from Roman soldiers and demonstrations of making Stone Age flint tools Children £5, Non-Members – Adults £3.50, Children £7 (please 12 SEPTEMBER book in advance) Findon Sheep Fair & Village Festival and birch brooms. Meet heathland snakes and lizards and the cows and 13 AUGUST Nepcote Green, Findon, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 0SD sheep that graze these beautiful sites. Join one of the archaeology walks Seven Sisters Holiday Club – Wild Woodies Friston www.findonsheepfair.co.uk and learn about the fascinating Bronze Age Barrows on this site. Local Challenge 01903 264161 FREE ADMISSION food, drinks and ice-cream will be available throughout the day. Starting from Pump Barn behind the Visitor Centre at Seven Sisters 12 SEPTEMBER Country Park Exceat, nr Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD Heritage Open Day – Free entry to Petworth House www.southdowns.gov.uk/events 01730 814810 www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE Bennett Photo © SDNPA/Clive 01273 497561 Tickets: SWT Members £13.50, Non- www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house Members £17 (please book in advance) 9 OCTOBER NOVEMBER 01798 342207 FREE ADMISSION The Devil’s Dyke Great Fungi Hunt 15–16 AUGUST 12 ­–13 SEPTEMBER Newtimber Hill, Saddlescombe Road, near Brighton, West Sussex 11 NOVEMBER Vintage & Steam Furnace BN45 7DE Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, West Beating the Bounds of Slindon Walk Fernhurst, Haslemere, West Sussex GU27 3NJ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/things-to-see-and-do/ Slindon, near Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0RG Sussex PO18 0EU www.fernhurstfurnace.co.uk events www.wealddown.co.uk/events/vintage-steam www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/things-to-see-and-do/ 01428 654088 FREE ADMISSION 01273 857712 Tickets: £8 events 01243 881348 Tickets: Adults £11, Seniors £10, Children 12 –13 SEPTEMBER 10 OCTOBER 01243 814730 Tickets: £5 4–15 years £6, Family £31, Registered disabled £5. Prices exclude Heritage Open Days at Bignor Roman Villa Gift Aid. Slindon Apple Day 21 NOVEMBER–24 DECEMBER Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1PH Forge Field, Reynolds Lane, Slindon, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 Christmas at Marwell...be enchanted 15–16 AUGUST www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk 0QT Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 The South Downs Show & Hampshire Wood Fair 01798 869259 Tickets: See website for details www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate/things-to-see-and-do/ Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, Waterlooville, 1JH 19 SEPTEMBER events Hampshire PO8 0QE www.marwell.org.uk/planning_your_day/whats_on West Grinstead Ploughing Match 01243 814730 FREE ADMISSION 01962 777407 Tickets: Normal entrance fee www.southdownsshow.co.uk Upper Chancton Farm, Washington, West Sussex RH20 3DH 10 OCTOBER 29 NOVEMBER 02392 595040 Tickets: Adults £7.50, Children (under 16) www.westgrinsteadploughing.co.uk £3.50, Seniors £6, Family (2 Adults 2 Children) £20, Toddlers & Spider Saturday Christmas Wreath Making 01903 879488 Tickets: See website for details Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5QS Babies FREE Birling Gap, East Dean, near Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 0AB 23–27 SEPTEMBER www.drusillas.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/ 19 AUGUST Small Wonder Festival (annual literary short story 01323 874100 Tickets: See website for details Around the World in 80 days – Outdoor theatre things-to-see-and-do/events festival) 11 OCTOBER 01323 423197 Tickets: £15 production Charleston, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LL Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DU Blackmoor Apple Tasting Day www.charleston.org.uk Blackmoor Estate, Blackmoor, Liss, Hampshire GU33 6BS DECEMBER www.Stanstedpark.co.uk 01323 811 626 Tickets: £10 02392 412265 Tickets: See website for details www.blackmoorestate.co.uk 26 SEPTEMBER 01420 476742 Tickets: See website for details 5–6 DECEMBER 20 AUGUST Community Apple Pressing Day Christmas Fayre & Father Christmas at Birling Gap Woodland Art and Campfire Cooking Swan Barn Farm, Black Down Estate, Collards Lane, Haslemere, Bramblings Yard Woolbeding Parkland, Woolbeding, West Sussex 16 OCTOBER Birling Gap, East Dean, near Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 0AB Surrey GU27 2HU The Devil’s Dyke Great Fungi Hunt – Wolstonbury www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/ GU29 9RR www.nationaltrust.org.uk/swanbarnfarm/things-to-see-and-do/ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside Hill things-to-see-and-do/events events , , Near Brighton, West Sussex BN45 7EE 01730 816638 Tickets: £4 01323 423197 Tickets: £3 (Father Christmas), Fayre – 01428 652359 FREE ADMISSION www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/things-to-see-and-do/ FREE ADMISSION 21 AUGUST 26 SEPTEMBER events Twelfth Night – Outdoor Theatre 18 DECEMBER Pulborough Harvest Festival 01273 857712 Tickets: £8 Saturnalia: The Roman “Christmas” Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE East Glebe Field, Church Hill, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1AB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house 24 OCTOBER–1 NOVEMBER Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, www.facebook.com/PulboroughHarvestFair Halloween Festival 0844 249 1895 Tickets: Adults £16, Children £10, Family Hampshire, PO8 0BG FREE ADMISSION Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 (2 adults and 2 children) £42 (please book in advance) www.butserancientfarm.co.uk 27 SEPTEMBER 1JH 023 9259 8838 Tickets: See website for details 22 AUGUST Bark in the Park www.marwell.org.uk/planning_your_day/whats_on Picnic in the Park 18 DECEMBER Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE 01962 777407 Tickets: Normal entrance fee Tales of Winter Magic Woolbeding Parkland, Woolbeding, West Sussex GU29 9RR www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside 26–31 OCTOBER Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, 01798 342207 FREE ADMISSION Halloween Activities at West Dean 01730 816638 FREE ADMISSION Hampshire, PO8 0BG 27 SEPTEMBER West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ www.butserancientfarm.co.uk 22–30 AUGUST Southdown Bus Day www.westdean.org.uk 023 9259 8838 Tickets: See website for details The Big Dig Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, Station Road, Amberley, 012543 818238 Tickets: Adults £8.25, Children £2 20 DECEMBER Petworth House & Park, West Sussex GU28 0AE near Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house 28 OCTOBER Winter Solstice Pub Walk www.amberleymuseum.co.uk Samhain: Family activities, storytelling and live music 01798 342207 FREE ADMISSION Harting Down, West Sussex GU31 5PN 01798 831370 Tickets: Normal entrance fee Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-countryside 30 AUGUST 26–27 SEPTEMBER Hampshire, PO8 0BG 01730 816638 Tickets: £3 (please book in advance) Open Air Theatre, Pride and Prejudice by Parham Harvest Fair www.butserancientfarm.co.uk Chapterhouse Theatre Company Parham House & Gardens, Storrington, Nr Pulborough, West Sussex 023 9259 8838 Tickets: See website for details Gilbert White’s house, The Wakes, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 RH20 4HS 30 OCTOBER 3JH www.parhaminsussex.co.uk www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org/events Fright Night! 01903 742021 Tickets: See website for details 01420 511275 Tickets: See website for details Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 0BG 31 AUGUST www.butserancientfarm.co.uk Madhurst Grand Finale OCTOBER 023 9259 8838 Tickets: See website for details Cowdray Ruins, Midhurst, GU29 9DJ www.madhurst.co.uk/grand-finale 3–4 OCTOBER 01730 816953 Tickets: See website for details Apple Affair Findon Sheep Fair & village Festival West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ SEPTEMBER www.westdean.org.uk FREE ADMISSION 12 September 2015 012543 818238 Tickets: Adults £9, Children £1 Nepcote Green, Findon, Worthing, West Sussex 4–6 SEPTEMBER 4 OCTOBER BN14 0SD Ale at Amberley Seven Sisters Walk (via Birling Gap) Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, Station Road, Amberley, Walk begins from Gayles Farm bus stop, Friston, Eastbourne, East Taking place annually at Findon village in the heart near Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT Sussex BN20 0BA of Sussex this event has something for all the family! www.amberleymuseum.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/ 01798 831370 Tickets: Normal entrance fee things-to-see-and-do/events Friday night begins with a fun fair on the green 5-6 SEPTEMBER 01323 423197 Tickets: £8 (food included) then a barn dance in the marquee. Saturday is the fair itself, with free Secrets of the Heath Petersfield Heath, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 4LA admission! There are craft stalls, sheep displays, sheep judging, a funfair www.southdowns.gov.uk/events and other displays on the green. See the website for all the details! 01730 814810 FREE ADMISSION www.findonsheepfair.co.uk 01903 264161 Photo © Chris Barbara SOUTH DOWNS VIEW SOUTH DOWNS WAY

12 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk BASINGSTOKE ALDERSHOT M3 DORKING GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE GUILDFOR D From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover 1,600km2 of breathtaking views, hidden gems and quintessentially English scenery. A rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and visitor attractions, weave together a story of people and place in harmony. From the Hampshire Hangers to the iconic white cliffs of the Sussex Heritage Coast, from curvaceous hills, rolling farmland, ancient woodland and lowland heaths to our ‘picture perfect’ villages, traditional country pubs and flourishing vineyards – the South Downs National Park will subtly seduce you. When deciding where to walk or cycle lots of people’s first thought will be our famous long

distance View to Old Winchester trail, Hill, Hampshi there South Downs Way. But Eastwhy Meon, Hampshir note get a fresh perspective of the SouthLittle Butser Downs, Hampshire and Arundel Castle,We st Sussex , West Sussex View from , East Sussex Seven Sisters, East Sussex

try one of these other routes… Moore © SDNPA/Sam Wrecclesham M23 Lingfield 4 CENTURION WAY Godalming Smallfield Milford ALTON Alice Holt This linear route of 5 miles (8km) runs from Chichester to West Dean. West Dean House Binsted Shipwrights and Gardens and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton can be reached on the Cranleigh EAST Way road within ½ a mile and 1 mile respectively. CRAWLEY Four In Chichester the route connects with the South GRINSTEAD Marks Coast Cycle Route at Fishbourne where cyclists Hindhead can continue westwards to visit Fishbourne A26 NCN23 A31Chawton M3 Bordon Roman Palace and , and southwards M23 New along the Salterns Way to Alresford Selborne and the HWitterings.aslemere A22 A3 Liphook Crowborough Selborne A325 A23 WINCHESTER Itchen Monkwood Common Abbas Horsham 1 Black Down A31 A264 A272 Liss Fernhurst Downs St. Catherine’s Hill Wisborough A26 Green 9 Link River Itchen Cuckfield A22 PETERSFIELD Shipwrights Iping Billingshurst West Meon 3 Way Common Woolbeding NCN20 Twyford East Meon 2 A29 Haywards A265 M3 Beacon Hill Common A27 River Rother A272 Heath 2 Butser Hill A272 A272 Upham Buriton 5 Old Petworth A272 NCN23 Burgess Uckfield A32 Winchester South Harting 6 MIDHURST A28 3 Heathfield Eastleigh Bishopstoke Hill Shipwrights Way Pulborough Hill Droxford Hurstpierpoint A22 Bishop’s A27 River Meon Harting Down Cocking Waltham Queen Elizabeth 9 Henfield 12 Meon Country Park Down 5 A2 A28 5 6 Valley Trail Hambledon A267 Storrington 1 A2 Shirrell A28 A283Steyning A2 Ditchling Heath Rowlands Castle Singleton 3 Bignor Hill Ringmer A2 SOUTHAMPTON Fulking Ditchling The Cuckoo 7 A2 ) Kingley Vale Goodwood Chanctonbury Beacon Trail Amberley 4 13 Country Park A28 NCN90 LEWES NCN2 5 Barnham9 Ring Devil’s Dyke A2 4 Falmer Glynde Hailsham A3(M A28 Findon to Bignor Berwick Lavant Cissbury Ring NCN82 A2 3 Centurion Arundel Mill Hill 7 M27 A NCN2 River Adur River Ouse NCN90 A22 Way 7 10 11 A27 A2 Firle Beacon A22 NCN2 FAREHAM Long Man Southease Alfriston CHICHESTER Barnham BRIGHTON & HOVE Egrets of Wilmington 8 NCN2 Way Cuckmere River 15 WORTHING Rottingdean A259 NCN2 LITTLEHAMPTON 14 EASTBOURNE GOSPORT N Newhaven A25

© SDNPA/Anne Purkiss © SDNPA/Anne 9 Seaford MEON VALLEY TRAIL BOGNOR REGIS PORTSMOUTH 0 1100 kkmm Seven Sisters East Dean Stretching for ten miles this almost traffic free © East Hampshire District Council Country Park trail runs along a fairly flat disused railway 7 ENGLISH CHANNE L track from Wickham to West Meon through THE SHIPWRIGHTS WAY Beachy Head the beautiful Meon Valley. It takes in the secret place where Winston Churchill, Dwight The Shipwrights Way is a 50 mile route which South Downs National Park Boundary Railway stations links villages and towns through the South Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle met on a South Downs Way Countryside sites train to finalise plans for the D-Day landings. Downs National Park. The name reflects the The trail offers the chance to spot wildlife use of oak grown at Alice Holt Forest for Tudor South Downs Way Footpath Only Settlement such as butterflies, kingfishers and otters. shipbuilding, linking this site with Portsmouth Connecting with the South Downs Way, the trail Historic Dockyard, home of the Mary Rose and National Cycle Network route (NCN) Visitor Information provides easy access to Old Winchester Hill HMS Victory. The majority of the route has Additional cycle route Tourist Information Points (contact details on page 2) and Beacon Hill. Works to improve the trail are been opened, with the exception of a missing scheduled to be completed this by June 2015. section through Whitehill and Bordon and Planned Cycle Route No cycling Woolmer Forest. 20 beautifully carved stone sculptures lie along the route. Railway Drinking water taps Stargazing (more details on page 5) Repair stations THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

River Meon, Hampshire SOUTH DOWNS WAY

www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 13 BASINGSTOKE ALDERSHOT M3 DORKING GUILDFOR D HIRE A BIKE If you don’t own a bike why not hire one. Here’s a list of places to hire in the South Downs… 1. Bespoke Biking, Winchester 07920 776994 – www.bespokebiking.com 2. Meon Springs, East Meon 01730 823134 – www.meonsprings.com/cycle-hire 3. Walk & Cycle 01730 266432 – www.walkandcycle.co.uk/cyclehire 4. Alice Holt, Farnham 01420 521297 – www.leisurecentre.com/Cycling/alice-holt-cycle-centre 5. All Ride Now, Midhurst 01730 817563 – www.allridenow.co.uk 6. Midhurst Bike Repair, Midhurst – 07765 776454 – www.midhurstbikerepair.co.uk 7. Summit Bikes, 01243 697547 – www.summitbikes.co.uk 8. Coastal Cycles 01903 730089 – www.coastalcycles.co.uk 9. Southwater Cycles 01403 732561 – southwatercycles.com 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 10. Cyclelife Shoreham 01273 596368 – www.cyclelife.com © Val Carver © Val 11. AdurM2 3Outdoor Activity Centre,Lingfield Shoreham 01273 462928 – www.aoac.org.uk Wrecclesham DOWNS LINK 12. Hassocks Community Cycle Hire, Hassocks 07521 961909 – 4 Godalming Charlwood Smallfield Milford This 36.7 mile footpath and bridleway links the www.hassockscommunitycyclehire.com ALTON North Downs Way at St. Martha’s Hill in Surrey Alice Holt with the South Downs Way near Steyning in 13. South Downs Way Bike Hire, Housedean Farm 07919 668816 – West Sussex. Connecting a variety of habitats www.southdownswaybikehire.co.uk Binsted Shipwrights Cranleigh you’ll pass banks of wildflowers, trees, hedges, 14. Seven Sisters Cycle Co., Exceat 01323 870310 – www.cuckmere-cycle.co.uk Way woodlands, rivers, ponds and streams.CRAWLEY EAST Four Butterflies, such as fritillaries and admirals, 15. Let’s Bike Eastbourne 07875GR 591648INSTEA D– www.letsBike-Eastbourne.co.uk Marks can be seen fluttering in the sunny sheltered Hindhead woodland glades, and you can see kingfishers A26 NCN23 A31Chawton fishing from the railway bridges. You may even M3 New Bordon be lucky to spot glow worms and bats foraging M23 Alresford Selborne Haslemere for food on warm summer nights. A22 A3 Liphook Crowborough Selborne A325 A23 WINCHESTER Itchen Monkwood Common Abbas Horsham 1 Black Down Northchapel A31 A264 A272 Liss Fernhurst Downs St. Catherine’s Hill Wisborough A26 Green 9 Link River Itchen Milland Cuckfield A22 PETERSFIELD Shipwrights Iping Billingshurst West Meon 3 Way Common Woolbeding NCN20 Twyford East Meon Haywards A26 Common A272 A29 5 M3 Beacon Hill Heath

River Rother A272 © Susan Thompson 2 Butser Hill A272 A272 Upham Buriton 5 EGRETS WAY Old Petworth A272 NCN23 Burgess Uckfield A32 Winchester South Harting 6 MIDHURST A28 When finished this route will allow you to 3 Heathfield Eastleigh Bishopstoke Hill Shipwrights Way Pulborough Hill explore the Ouse valley from Kingston to Droxford Hurstpierpoint Lewes and Newhaven. CurrentlyA22 the sections Bishop’s A27 River Meon Harting Down Cocking between Kingston and Lewes, and Rodmell and Waltham Queen Elizabeth 9 Henfield 12 Southease have been completed, with Lewes to Meon Country Park 5 A2 A28 5 Piddinghoe scheduled6 for summer 2015. Once Valley Trail Hambledon Hassocks A267 Storrington 1 complete theyA2 will provide some lovely linear Shirrell A28 A283Steyning A2 Ditchling cycle routes for all the family, plus connectivity Heath Rowlands Castle Singleton 3 to the undulating South Downs Way. Bignor Hill Ringmer A2 SOUTHAMPTON Fulking Ditchling The Cuckoo 7 A2 ) Kingley Vale Goodwood Chanctonbury Beacon Trail Amberley 4 13 Country Park A28 NCN90 LEWES NCN2 5 Barnham9 River Arun Ring Devil’s Dyke A2 4 Falmer Glynde Hailsham A3(M A28 Findon to Bignor Berwick Lavant Cissbury Ring NCN82 A2 3 Centurion Arundel Mill Hill 7 M27 A Havant NCN2 River Adur River Ouse NCN90 A22 Way 7 10 11 A27 A2 Firle Beacon A22 NCN2 FAREHAM Long Man Southease Alfriston CHICHESTER Barnham BRIGHTON & HOVE Egrets of Wilmington 8 NCN2 Way Cuckmere River 15 WORTHING Rottingdean A259 NCN2 LITTLEHAMPTON 14 EASTBOURNE A25 GOSPORT N Newhaven 9 BOGNOR REGIS Seaford PORTSMOUTH 0 1100 kkmm Seven Sisters East Dean Country Park 7 ENGLISH CHANNE L Beachy Head South Downs National Park Boundary Railway stations

South Downs Way Countryside sites South Downs Way Footpath Only Settlement National Cycle Network route (NCN) Visitor Information Additional cycle route Tourist Information Points (contact details on page 2) Planned Cycle Route No cycling Railway Drinking water taps Stargazing (more details on page 5) Repair stations SOUTH DOWNS VIEW

River Meon, Hampshire 14 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk

PARTNERSHIP WORK The South Downs National Park Authority and National Trust are working together on an exciting new project at the significant heritage site, Winchester City Mill, in the heart of Winchester. A permanent exhibition and information point within the shop and the main museum area will be installed by the end of June 2015. The exhibition will give visitors an overview of what they can discover in the South Downs National Park, the many different National Trust sites it contains and the history of the Mill. Winchester attracts an estimated 4 million visitors each year with Winchester City Mill welcoming approximately 40,000 visitors annually. This joint project will place the City Mill as a key information and inspiration point for visitors who want to experience the SDNP. © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa DISCOVER THE SOUTH DOWNS WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST © National Trust

There are a wealth of National Trust properties to be taste of its last coastline on the south coast perfect owner who for rock-pooling, swimming and found across the South Downs, from elegant country lovingly rebuilt enjoying cliff top walks. houses to miles of open rolling countryside. How you it to display his So pop your walking boots on and enjoy them is entirely up to you, but if you’re looking collection of set out on a South Downs adventure ceramics and with the National Trust – wherever you for some inspiration here are five top ways to explore art. Peruse the are there’s always something new to the South Downs through the National Trust… Trust’s finest discover. Visit www.nationaltrust. collection of org.uk to find out more about all of 1. Soak up the views Slindon paintings, sculpture, fine furniture these places. Stroll through Estate you can and carvings at the late 17th-century the tapestry of watch the bats Petworth House set in a deer ancient chalk emerge to hunt park landscaped by ‘Capability’ grassland and for insects. Brown. Marvel at Uppark’s FREE CREAM TEA! woodland 3. Delve into Georgian interiors illustrating the of Harting comfort of life ‘upstairs’, in contrast history with Down Explore with the grim ‘downstairs’ world of hilltop views Cissbury Ring, one of the most the servants. Explore the tranquil to the Isle historic hills on the South Downs and Monk’s House, a17th-century of Wight. Visit Drovers Estate the largest hill fort in Sussex with a cottage loved by Leonard and for a mix of shady woodland, history dating back over 5,000 years. Virginia Woolf or laze by the river rolling pastures and traditional Pop in to Winchester City Mill to near Alfriston Clergy House, buildings. Explore the River Rother © Shutterstock see a rare surviving example of an a thatched, Medieval Wealden at with its ancient Woolbeding urban working corn mill, powered hall-house – the first property ever parkland and secluded picnic spots by the fast-flowing River Itchen. Visit acquired by the Trust. or discover the views which inspired the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry Tennyson to write beautiful prose 5. Take the whole family valley’ in the You could win an afternoon cream from Black Down. At Cuckmere All ages will UK, Devil’s tea for two at the National Trust café Valley the dramatic river cliff offers love the Swan Dyke, where at Birling Gap, East Sussex. Simply a perfect backdrop for the historic Barn Farm’s legend has it answer this question Litlington White Horse chalk figure. fantastic family the devil dug friendly events What was the first building 2. Become a nature detective this chasm encouraging acquired by the National Trust? Discover scented wild marjoram, to drown the visitors to try Send your answer, full name and white admiral butterflies and the parishioners of traditional contact telephone number/email to delicate bee orchids on Blackcap, the Weald. © 2020 Vision/Guy Edwardes countryside [email protected] or juniper, blue carpenter bees and 4. Peep through the keyhole craft activities. Get a breath of sea by 5pm on Friday 21st August to be in the rare cheese snail on Harting Wander through the elegant Hinton air at Birling Gap, one of the with a chance of winning this yummy Down. As dusk draws in at the Ampner reflecting on the distinct longest stretches of undeveloped prize.…

© National Trust Images/1. James Dobson/2. Ross Hoddinott/4. Arnhel de Serra/5. Megan Taylor THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 15

“We get the freedom to make JOHN MUIR what we want... get to express ourselves... we are learning about AWARD IN the world we live in.” – student taking part in the John Muir THE SOUTH Award. DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

‘In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks’ – John Muir © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa

Do you like being outside in the fresh air? Do you like involvement. The same 4 challenges 2. What is special about your chosen are repeated for each level, with wild place? discovering new places? Do you want to help look increased involvement in time, after the wildlife and beauty of the South Downs? If the activity and ownership. 3. Which habitats and creatures can be found in your wild place? answer is yes to any of these questions then the John „„Discovery Award (introductory level) minimum 4 days Muir Award could be for you! 4. How does your conserving activity „„Explorer Award (intermediate support the Vision for the South The John Muir Award is a “The Award was a brilliant level) minimum 8 days Downs National Park? „„Conserver Award (advanced level) national environmental award opportunity to get to know staff that encourages people of all minimum 20 days over 6 months 5. Who would be interested in backgrounds to connect with, enjoy from across the organisation, Everyone, whatever age, can take sharing your discoveries and and care for wild places through a their interests both in and out of part so visit http://learning. joining your efforts to conserve structured yet adaptable scheme. work and how they relate to the southdowns.gov.uk/help/john- the wild place? The Award isn’t competitive but environment around them”. muir-award for more information should challenge each participant on how you can get involved. You’ll and encourages awareness and need to do some research before responsibility for the natural What does it involve? you start your award so here’s some environment, in a spirit of fun, Four challenges are at the heart top tips to get you started… “Climb the mountains and get their of each John Muir Award. Each adventure and exploration. things to consider good tidings. Nature’s peace will participant must: The Award is open to all, and is the when planning flow into you as sunshine flows educational initiative of the John Muir „„Discover a wild place your John Muir into trees. The winds will blow their Trust. The South Downs National Park „„Explore its wildness Award in the is a fantastic place to complete your „„Conserve – take personal own freshness into you, and the South Downs… award and there are a wide variety of responsibility storms their energy, while cares opportunities to take part as a group, „„Share experiences 1. What was John will drop off like autumn leaves.” individual or family. There are 3 levels of the Award, Muir’s connection with the South encouraging a progressive Downs National Park? John Muir

WHO WAS JOHN MUIR? Born in 1838 in the Scottish port of Dunbar, John Muir emigrated with his family as a child to the USA where he became a founding father of the conservation movement, and devoted his life to safeguarding the world’s landscapes. It was Muir’s view that it is not enough for people to be in sympathy with the plight of the natural world but that they must become “active conservationists‟, as campaigners, as practical project workers, as scientists, as artists and as writers. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” – John Muir, The Mountains of California © The John Muir Trust SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 16 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk BECOME A WILDLIFE SPOTTER © SDNPA 200 BOXES FOR PROJECT BOB South Downs Ranger Rob Nicholls gives an update on the barn owl box (BOB) project sweeping the South Downs… Towards the end of 2014 National Park Rangers and the South Downs Volunteer Rangers installed their 100th barn owl box in the South Downs National Park! The team began installing boxes 15 months previously and have covered 32 different farms throughout the National Park. This recent achievement takes the total amount of barn owl boxes being monitored by project BOB to over 200! Throughout the winter 44 of the new boxes in the western area of the South Downs were checked to see how many had been visited by owls. 45 per cent of © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa the boxes had been visited and 25 per cent actually contained an owl! This was much higher than we were River valleys, chalk streams, woodlands, farmland, wet meadows expecting, with 11 containing barn owls, one a tawny and heathland makes the South Downs a great place for wildlife. and one a little owl. The success of these boxes is down to two factors: 1. The great amount of rough grassland found alongside birds and animals to piercing ‘peewit’ call. Females can arable fields nearby to the boxes. look out for… be spotted on nests in farmland or 2. A peak in the vole population cycle which resulted in wetland which are simple scrapes in (Be warned some are much around 70 per cent of barn owls having two broods this the mud or sand and, large flocks harder to spot than others!) year. This is a stark contrast to the previous year when a gather in the river valleys during the lower vole population and terrible weather meant that winter. the majority of barn owl pairs did not attempt to breed; it was more about ensuring they survived to reproduce the Brown hare: In early spring Farmland birds: The South following year. these proud animals are easy Downs is a hot spot for many Barn owls will continue to be monitored across to spot as the males start to farmland birds such as skylarks, the National Park in partnership with expert licenced fight (“box”) for mates. They yellowhammers, linnets and corn ecologists as it is illegal to disturb or inspect barn owl graze on vegetation and bark buntings and in spring their song boxes without a Schedule One Permit from the British from young trees and bushes in provides the soundtrack to your Trust for Ornithology. grassland or woodland edges. walks. In winter you can see large Special thanks go to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for their expert advice Common toad: Famous flocks of them foraging for food. and guidance which is for mass migrations back to Barn owl: Spot them floating along helping this project run breeding ponds on the first

field edges and hedgerows hunting so smoothly, and to Paul SDNPA © warm, damp evenings of the for voles, mice and shrews. Some are highly Hillyard from the South year these creatures spend the nocturnal whereas others regularly hunt by Downs Volunteer Ranger rest of the year feeding on dry day. Service who has completed land in woodland, gardens, When you do spot some wildlife please a tree climbing course and hedgerows and grassland. (If record them on the ARC app www. helped with nearly all of the you see one, even squashed on arcexplorer.org.uk 100 boxes we’ve installed! the road, please tell the ARC Visit the RSPB’s Pulborough team via the app – page 17) Brooks reserve as a good starting Lapwing: In the breeding season, males point to spot these animals and put on dramatic aerial displays, tumbling many more. through the air, accompanied by their Visit www.rspb.org.uk for more

All photos © RSPB information.

THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 17 Wildlife in your garden Jess Price, Conservation Officer at the Sussex Wildlife Trust, gives her top tips for helping wildlife flourish in our gardens… Gardens of all shapes and sizes to prevent the water going can be a haven for wildlife at a stagnant. time when habitats are getting Make a Connection more degraded and fragmented Think about how creatures can in the wider countryside. Research get in and out of your outdoor has shown that most ‘ordinary’ space and where they will go gardens can support a huge once they leave. Add a hole in amount of wildlife, and you don’t the bottom of your fence for low have to allocate wildlife a special © Dave Kilbey/Sussex Wildlife Trust lying creatures like hedgehogs place or let it become messy and to move through, or even better, overgrown… replace your fence with a native hedgerow. Why not try growing some ivy, honeysuckle or jasmine up your wall or fence to encourage pollinators from your garden into the next. Think Outside the Box © Neil Fletcher/Sussex Wildlife Trust Vertical surfaces, textured walls, Although it is often listed as good even bin stores and the tops of bird for wildlife, if you live on the South Just Add Water boxes can be used to create extra Downs consider an alternative. Water is the number one resource habitat. Hang some wildflower Notice What You See to instantly improve the attraction of baskets or plant low lying herbs Wildlife sightings in gardens are any garden to wildlife. Frogs, newts, into the cracks and crevices of your particularly important as there Birds, hedgehogs, bats and bees patio. Small holes drilled into fence © Alan Price, Gatehouse Studio/Sussex are usually relatively few records all need water to survive, so having posts can be used by solitary bees Wildlife Trust from more built up areas. Leave a it available at a range of heights in spring or hibernating ladybirds recording sheet on a window ledge day and night especially in freezing and lacewings in autumn. impact on them. For example, if so you can note down what you or very hot spells will make a big Embrace Where You Live you back onto ancient woodland saw, when you saw it and where, difference. From stark chalky cliffs and ancient resist planting invasive garden to help build a clearer picture of If you can’t build a garden pond woodland, to sprawling floodplains, cultivars such as the Spanish wildlife in the South Downs. Pass use an old bucket, sink or bath. Use rolling downland and lowland bluebell which can hybridise with all the records onto your local stones and logs to build sloping heath, being sympathetic to your our native bluebell. Cotoneaster is recording centre in one go or use sides that creatures can use to get in surroundings is key. Consider becoming a problem in some areas the ARC app directly from your and out of the water, and add some the habitats around you and the of rare chalk grassland where it is phone! native oxygenating pond plants way your garden can enhance or smothering our native plants.

ARC EXPLORER APP DISCOVER WEST SUSSEX’S BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE AND WILDLIFE Designed for tablets, mobile phones and computers, Arc Explorer allows users to record what they encounter when out and about in West Sussex. ARC Explorer includes a feature known as Upkeep. This allows users to send pictures of what they see, which might than raise questions or concerns, to the community feed where others can view and comment on them. This could include anything seen in the project area from a flooding incident to an unidentifiable species. Recorded findings will not only drive community participation in the education, management and maintenance of the area but will directly contribute to conservation efforts in the region. The technology has been developed as part of the Arun and Rother To find out more or to download the app please visit Connections (ARC) project, a three-year landscape scale project supported www.arcexplorer.org.uk. The app can also be downloaded directly from by the Heritage Lottery Fund to promote a rich and thriving river system the Apple Store or Google Play. where wildlife flourishes and people value the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW 18 SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 www.southdowns.gov.uk

Most of the 112,000 people who live in the South Downs National Park can be found in our four market towns of Lewes, Petworth, Midhurst and Petersfield. Beyond them lie hundreds of tiny hamlets and picturesque villages waiting to be explored. These communities have been getting ready to welcome you with new walking trails, visitor guides and community shops to name just a few of the inviting things you can discover. Here are five top community projects to get you started, all supported by the South Downs National Park Authority’s Sustainable Communities Fund. Of course you can visit these places sustainably, just visit www.traveline.info/se to plan your journey now. © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa GET TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITIES © SDNPA © Ladder © Lodsworth LOAD UP AT LODSWORTH LARDER TAKE A SEAT AT FIRLE This community run, eco friendly, village shop is situated in the heart of Just 350 people live in the parish of Firle in East Sussex but more than the National Park. Selling a wide variety of fresh produce and groceries 100 walkers and visitors pass through every week during summer. The including fruit, seasonal vegetables, meat and poultry from The Hungry charity managing the village hall decided to provide some community Guest butchers in Petworth and local artisan cheeses, the Larder also seating for people to take a rest. stocks local woodsman and eco-builder Ben Law’s books. Three wooden benches and a restored flint wall have now been put in www.lodsworthlarder.com place providing a great spot to take the weight off your feet. © SDNPA/Mischa Haller © SDNPA/Mischa © Octagon Parishes WALK AROUND WEST MEON EXPLORE THE OCTAGON This Hampshire village lies in the centre of a great network of footpaths The community of the Octagon Parish, named after the eight churches in and bridleways. To encourage more people to explore the area and the its ten villages, have linked together existing footpaths and villages into an wider South Downs National Park the Parish Council is launching an 18-mile trail celebrating their ancient downland churches. updated booklet of ten walks in and around the area this spring. The route is featured together with eight shorter walks in a new booklet, Differing in length and difficulty the routes take in places of interest, launched this spring and is available from www.southdowns.gov.uk. views, wildlife and local cafes and pubs. Make sure you leave some time to explore the pubs, cafes and shops www.westmeonpc.org.uk/local-info along the way.

To protect the wildlife at the old Buriton chalk pits the local people got them officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. But they also wanted to make it easier for you to enjoy them. Thanks to support from the SDNPA’s Sustainable Communities Fund they are now restoring an old pond where three trails – the Hangers Way, Shipwrights Way and South Downs Way – all meet. The work will make the

© Buriton Heritage Collection pond part of a chain helping wildlife move around the area and will also enable wheelchair access to the top part of the chalk pit site. SPOT WILDLIFE AT BURITON www.buriton.info/buriton_chalk_pits

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examples of how good planning has enhanced the National Park…

KING EDWARD VII

Built at the start of the 20th Century as a sanatorium and then a hospital, King Edward VII was in serious decline since its closure in 2006. This was the first major development to be approved in the National Park by the SDNPA and planners worked closely with developers and the local community to make sure that restoration was PLANNING sensitive and to get the appropriate number of new dwellings while still making it financially viable. The project was recognised by the Royal Town and Planning Institute’s IN THE PARK National Awards, proving that appropriate planning can add value to protected landscapes. © SDNPA/Gareth Giles © SDNPA/Gareth “Aren’t National Parks just big empty countryside?” PETERSFIELD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN The question gets asked a lot and the answer is no. Neighbourhood planning lets local communities get more involved in The 112,000 people living in the National Park need planning for where they live, work and visit, including the services that places to work, shop, go to school and sleep at night. directly affect their lives. The Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan is the largest and most ambitious Housing is in short supply across the promote recreation; enable plan to be prepared in the National Park so far. The Town Council and country with the National Housing affordable local housing; and wider community submitted their plan to the SDNPA in February 2015 and Planning Advice Unit estimating make sure that the National Park is and, after public consultation, it will go to independent examination. 290,500 additional homes will be properly valued and cared for. needed each year to 2031. Much “To get this right we’ve been of this will fall in the South East and working with local communities England’s newest National Park and other groups to understand won’t be exempt, particularly as their needs and get solid evidence there is a shortage of affordable that can stand up to full public homes. examination in the future. Much of RATHFINNY ESTATE “We can’t just say no to all this is being published in autumn The South Downs are becoming renowned for having the aspects, soil building in the National Park” says 2015,” says Tim. “By autumn this and climate for sparkling wines that can rival the Champagne region. Tim Slaney, Director of Planning year we will have a draft Local The Rathfinny Estate was founded in 2010 with the aim of eventually for the SDNPA. “This is a living Plan – setting out for the first time producing more than a million bottles of wine a year. The SDNPA’s landscape with vibrant communities how we will manage development decision to allow new purpose designed buildings and restoration and businesses. Without more to meet our responsibilities to of traditional flint barns at the estate to become homes for seasonal affordable houses and work spaces the landscapes and support workers and visiting groups was praised as an example of good these won’t survive. our communities and the local planning by Vince Cable MP. “What we need is well designed economy.” and properly located development Once approved by the that contributes to both peoples’ Government, hopefully in 2017, PYECOMBE FARM SHOP AND BIKE HIRE lives and our landscapes. With the Local Plan will contain the good planning we can safeguard policies by which all development Numerous footpaths and bridleways converge at the pedestrian bridge views, tranquility and dark night proposals will be judged – www. over the A23 near Pyecombe and link to both the South Downs Way and skies; support the local economy; southdowns.gov.uk/planning Sussex Border Path, making an excellent spot for a tea room and cycle hire. Permission was granted to convert an existing barn to create both, plus a farm shop selling local produce.

HARVEYS DEPOT CINEMA

Lewes is a distinctive and vibrant market town and Harveys Brewery has been a local landmark for more than 200 years. At the end of 2014 SDNPA approved plans to turn the old Harveys Depot into a new cinema, describing its modern design as innovative and a fine example of how historic buildings can be reused. When completed it will deliver a valuable cultural and community facility for the town. © SDNPA/Gareth Giles © SDNPA/Gareth

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The rolling hills, bustling market towns and breathtaking quintessentially English scenery of the South Downs has always been an inspirational place. The following five artists lived, GET INSPIRED breathed and created in the South Downs National Park…

J.M.W TURNER (1775–1851) PETWORTH www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ petworth-house Title: Petworth, Sussex, the Seat of the Earl of Egremont: Dewy Morning The great English landscape painter, JMW Turner (1775–1851) painted the Downs landscape many times. Turner

© Tate Images © Tate was a frequent visitor at Petworth House as the guest of his patron, the 3rd Earl of Egremont, and painted many works there. Petworth House played a starring role in the recent film, Mr Turner. Turner painted the landscape as he saw it. The focal point in his paintings was often the quality of the light and not the great house in the distance. Turner’s main subjects were the landscape around Petworth and views of the Petworth Estate. The lake in the grounds of the main house fascinated him and features in many of his © Petersfield Museum © Petersfield Petworth paintings.

FLORA TWORT (1893–1985) PETERSFIELD VANESSA BELL (1871–1961) www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk CHARLESTON Title: Saturday shopping at Petersfield Square (1932) Flora Twort was a widely respected artist well known for www.charleston.org.uk her paintings and sketches of Petersfield between the Title: The Pond (1917) wars. Already an accomplished artist when she moved to In 1916 the artists Vanessa Bell and her Petersfield in 1917, Twort ran a second-hand bookshop, lover Duncan Grant moved to Charleston described as one of the finest in Southern England, at House in Sussex with their unconventional Numbers 1 and 2 The Square. Her studio was above household. Vanessa found the house and the bookshop until 1948 when she bought the cottage its surroundings inspiring: “It’s most lovely, in Church Path which is now the Flora Twort Gallery, very solid and simple, with ... perfectly flat managed by Petersfield Museum. Her pictures, usually windows and wonderful tiled roofs. The pond is most beautiful, with a willow at one watercolours, typically contain local scenes of Petersfield side and a stone or flint wall edging it all round the garden part, and a little lawn which are filled with people and animals and there is sloping down to it, with formal bushes on it.” Inspired by Italian fresco painting always a selection of her work on show at the gallery. and the post-impressionists, Bell and Grant set about painting the interior walls with murals and decorating furniture in their signature style. The house is now open to the public. Included in the collection at Charleston are works by Renoir, Pablo Picasso and Sickert. © The Estate of Vanessa Bell, courtesy of the Charleston Trust © The Estate of Vanessa

ERIC RAVILIOUS (1903– ERNEST. H. SHEPARD 1942) BEDDINGHAM (1879–1976) LODSWORTH www.townereastbourne.org.uk Title: The More he Shouted the Title: Floods at Lewes (1935) Louder they Snored. Illustration Eric Ravilious studied at Eastbourne from Princess Nobody School of Art and there is a Ernest H.Shepard is best known room dedicated to his work in and well loved for the illustrations Eastbourne’s Towner Gallery. that he drew to accompany A.A. Ravilious, who worked mostly in Milne’s Winnie The Pooh books in the watercolours, was particularly 1920s. Shepard lived in Lodsworth, inspired by the landscape of the a small village between Midhurst and © Image courtesy of Towner, Eastbourne © Image courtesy of Towner, South Downs around Beddingham Petworth, until his death in 1976. His where he stayed at a cottage called house in the village is marked with Furlongs, owned by artist Peggy Angus. He considered that his time Bridgeman Images © Chris Beetles Ltd, London. a blue plaque. Shepard is recorded at Furlongs “...altered my whole outlook and way of painting, I think as saying that he regretted agreeing to illustrate Winnie The Pooh as because the colour of the landscape was so lovely and the design so he felt that the bulk of his work, as a political cartoonist for Punch beautifully obvious.” Some of his most famous works, such as Tea at magazine, was completely overshadowed. However, his gravestone in Furlongs, were painted there. St Peters church yard has a charming carving of Pooh and Piglet.

THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 21 WRITERS OF THE DOWNS With endless paths to wander, beautiful views to gaze Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) and garden are kept as if the Woolfs had just gone out for a walk. upon and a huge variety of wildlife to encounter, it’s no nobel prize-winning author of the Just So Stories, Kim and Puck www.nationaltrust.org.uk/monks- wonder that many writers have been drawn to the South of Pook’s Hill came to live in house Downs as a place to dream. Here are five writers who’s Rottingdean, just outside Brighton, JANE AUSTEN – in 1897. He lived in The Elms, words have in some way been inspired by the South CHAWTON Downs National Park… on the village green; “Those were exceedingly good days, and “To walk three miles, or four miles, one’s work came easily and fully” or five miles, or whatever it is, above GILBERT WHITE – in 1915. He was killed at Arras her ankles in dirt, and alone, quite he wrote in his autobiography SELBORNE in 1917. Now famed for his alone! What could she mean by it? It poetry, including Adlestrop which Something of Myself . The house seems to me to show an abominable “Though I have now travelled the is regularly voted one of the where Kipling lived has long sort of conceited independence, a Sussex-downs upwards of thirty years, UK’s favourite poems, Thomas since been demolished but the most country-town indifference to yet I still investigate that chain Rottingdean Preservation Society decorum.” (Pride and Prejudice, 1813) of majestic mountains was better known for his nature-writing during bought and recreated his gardens Jane Austen (1775–1817) lived with fresh admiration which are now open to the public. year by year; and his lifetime. He at Chawton Cottage, now Jane www.rottingdeanpreservation think I see new spent much of Austen’s House Museum, from beauties every time his time walking society.org.uk/the-kipling- 1809 until her death in 1817. It I traverse it…” the Hangers of gardens was in the “general living-room” of Chawton Cottage that Jane wrote (Journal, I781) Hampshire and VIRGINIA WOOLF – The Reverend the Downs of most of her novels. Apparently RODMELL Gilbert White Sussex in a series callers would see her writing at (1720–1793) was of one-day walks “The Downs…too much for one pair her desk through the window but born in Selborne, in “a rough circle”, of eyes, enough to float a whole she insisted that the creaky door Hampshire, and lived trusting that, as he put population in happiness, if only they leading to the rest of the house

© Gilbert White and The Oates Collections would look” (Diaries, 1937) at The Wakes for most it in The South Country should not be oiled so that she Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) of his life. It was in this house could hide her writing if anyone (1909), “by taking a series of and her husband Leonard bought approached the room. Jane and that he wrote The Natural History turnings to the left or a series to Monk’s House in Rodmell, Sussex and Antiquities of Selborne, based the right, to take much beauty by in 1919. They bought the house for her sister Cassandra were very upon first-hand observations and surprise and to return at last to my the “shape and fertility and wildness keen walkers often spotted in the fieldwork within the confines of starting-point”. of the garden”. Virginia found the woods and meadows of Chawton Selborne. This book, recognised There are many memorials peaceful location very conducive to Park and exploring muddy country as the work of a natural history to Thomas in and around Steep her work and much of Mrs Dalloway, lanes. Perhaps Austen shared pioneer, has never been out of including a sculpture on the To The Lighthouse, The Waves and the “country-town indifference print since it was published in Shipwrights Way (www3.hants. Between the Acts were written there. to decorum” that Miss Caroline 1784. As well as recording the gov.uk/shipwrightsway.htm), She also kept detailed diaries in which Bingley ascribed to Lizzie Bennett she recorded her almost daily walks intimate detail of the natural world windows engraved by Laurence in Pride and Prejudice. into the Sussex countryside; “What of Selborne in Hampshire, White Whistler in Steep Church and a www.jane-austens-house- I wouldn’t give to be coming home museum.org.uk spent many hours exploring and memorial stone on Shoulder of through Firle woods, dusty enjoying the Sussex Downs. Mutton Hill with an inscription and hot, with my nose www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk including the final line from one turned home, every EDWARD THOMAS – of Thomas’s essays: “And I rose muscle tired and the up and knew I was tired and I brain…so sane and STEEP continued my journey.” cool and ripe for “The long white roads….are a the morrow’s task” temptation. What quests they propose! RUDYARD KIPLING – she wrote in 1921. They take us away to the ROTTINGDEAN Monk’s House is thin air of the future or now a National “No tender-hearted

the underworld of the Trust property and © Jane Austen Memorial Trust garden crowns, No past.” (The South the house bosomed woods Country, 1909) adorn Edward Our blunt, Thomas the bow-headed, writer and poet whale-backed lived in Steep, Downs, Hampshire But gnarled for three years and writhen before enlisting thorn” (Sussex, in the Artist’s Rifles 1902) © East Hampshire District Council

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HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? To find out where the nearest volunteering opportunities are to you, visit www.southdowns. gov.uk/volunteering. A newly developed online map showing the locations of volunteer groups offering a range of projects in the National Park is due to launch in summer 2015. From this map you will be able to visit volunteer group websites or call them to discuss your interests and see what each group can offer you. Via the South Downs National Park © SDNPA/Anne Purkiss © SDNPA/Anne website you can also keep up to date with volunteering opportunities with VOLUNTEERING. BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE. the South Downs Volunteer Ranger NEW SKILLS. NEW FRIENDS. Service, follow them on twitter @Ranger_sdnpa. Do you like the thought of helping to protect THE SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY endangered species? Are you looking for more opportunities to get out in the fresh air? Would you Challenging Friend to the National Park Authority like to meet people who find the South Downs as Most of the country’s national parks have their own “national park society” special a place as you? If so then volunteering in the or “friends” group, raising funds and campaigning to conserve their special landscape qualities for the public’s quiet enjoyment – we are exactly that South Downs National Park could be for you! for the South Downs! The Society organises, both for the public and its members, a programme of strolls and walks, events and talks; it researches With the South Downs National place for volunteering. Working and publishes maps of open access land; it hosts the Secret Shore history Park’s landscapes covering alongside the South Downs and folklore project and, subject to receiving legacy income, makes 1,600km² of breathtaking views, National Park Authority, local important financial contributions to conservation projects – all aimed at rolling hills and quintessentially authorities, conservation increasing the enjoyment and awareness of the National Park. English scenery this is a great groups, Wildlife Trusts, farmers, A key Society task is to influence the policies and practices of statutory landowners, the RSPB and the bodies to ensure the proper care of the National Park, and much attention National Trust, you can help is devoted to the planning documents of the local councils and the decisions conserve and raise awareness of they make on planning applications. So far we have contributed to major this beautiful part of the world. planning decisions such as those for the Rampion offshore wind farm and There’s a great range of the Durand Academy application. This work is vital to ensuring that the volunteering opportunities beautiful landscapes and special available out there from supporting qualities of the South Downs conservation research programmes National Park are maintained. like the reintroduction of water For more information about voles, administration for a variety how you can get involved in the of projects or helping protect Society visit www.southdownssociety.org.uk the beautiful Duke of Burgundy butterfly by restoring their natural chalk grassland habitat and maintaining traditional field boundaries by learning to lay hedges. Volunteers give you their five top reasons for volunteering… „„It gets me out into the fresh air, whatever the weather „„I feel a sense of achievement „„I like meeting new people in beautiful surroundings „„I come home healthily tired © SDNPA/Rebecca Saunders © SDNPA/Rebecca „„Volunteering is great for © SDNPA/Rebecca Saunders © SDNPA/Rebecca experiencing new things! THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNSVIEW 2015 23

How does it work? Each geocache is situated in a location which has a special interest or significant beauty. A geocacher can view the cache details at www.geocaching.com, enter the coordinates into their GPS receiver or Smartphone and go in search of it. When they find the geocache, the finder can take one of the swappable items and leave something in return, and for posterity, enter a log in the logbook.

GEOCACHING IN THE SOUTH DOWNS © SDNPA / Anne Purkiss © SDNPA

If you like treasure hunts, discovering new places and JARGON BUSTER fresh air then geocaching could be for you! Geocaching is an activity for all the collection of high-quality geocaches GPS RECEIVER family and is a real-world, outdoor to help you discover hidden gems You can play using a GPS receiver by downloading the treasure hunting game! Using GPS- in the South Downs National Park. coordinates from the Geocaching website or use a smartphone enabled devices, participants navigate You collect points for visiting each by downloading the app to a specific set of GPS coordinates cache and can boost your points by and attempt to find the geocache traveling sustainably, eating locally http://apple.co/19XgLV1 (container) hidden at that location. and staying overnight. Your aim is to 2015 sees the first Geotour in collect enough points to claim one http://bit.ly/1oZeZoE England established in the South of the special Geotour Geocoins to Downs National Park. The Geotour is celebrate your adventures. GEOCACHE a special series that brings together a In its simplest form, a Geocache is a container which contains a logbook or logsheet for you to log your find. Larger caches may also things you need to take by public transport meaning you can contain a number of swappable items – these items turn the adventure part: leave the car at home! into a true treasure hunt. You never know what may have been left for „„ A GPS receiver „„A few bits and pieces – There you to enjoy! Remember, if you take something, leave something of equal – A simple model is enough is no compulsion to swap items or greater value in return for the next person. for geocaching, but the more in a geocache but if you do take expensive models offer many something it is only fair to leave TRACKABLE varied facilities. There are also something interesting in return… A Trackable is a sort of physical geocaching “game piece”. You Geocaching apps available for will often find them in geocaches or see them at geocaching gatherings. most Smartphones. reasons to try Each Trackable is etched with a unique code that can be used to log its „ „Access to the Internet – All geocaching: movements on Geocaching.com as it travels in the real world. Some „ caches in the South Downs „ Fresh air! of these items have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles thanks to „ National Park (SDNP) official trail „Discover new places – unusual, geocachers who move them from cache to cache! are listed on the National Park interesting and beautiful locations. website – „„It’ll get you walking, cycling or GEOCOIN www.southdowns.gov.uk riding – either a long or a little A Geocoin is a special coin created by individuals or groups „„A sense of adventure – You’ll get way. of geocachers as a kind of signature item or calling card. Like the chance to discover new places „„Improve your local geography Travel Bug® Trackables, each Geocoin is assigned a unique tracking ID you might otherwise never have – new places, new sights, new which allows them to travel from geocache to geocache or to be passed known were there. knowledge. among friends, picking up stories along the way. „„A form of transport – Most caches „„Everyone and anyone can take on the SDNP Geotour are accessible part – the kids will love it!

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Contacts Us South Downs National Park Authority South Downs Centre North Street Midhurst West Sussex GU29 9DH Tel 01730 814810 [email protected] DISCOVER ANOTHER WAY TO GET HERE AT www.southdowns.gov.uk SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK/DISCOVERANOTHERWAY