Thankful for Our Farmers

FREE SOUTHDOWNS VIEW SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Thankful 10 for our wildlife farmers success PAGE 14 stories PAGE 10

clothingWIN and more! Columbia

THE FIRST 10 YEARS HOW HAVE WE DONE...... 4

BECOME A NATIONAL PARK CUSTODIAN...... 6

PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020–2025...... 7

YOUR NATIONAL PARK...... 8

PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS 2019/20...... 9

10 WILDLIFE SUCCESS STORIES...... 10 The South

WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU...... 12 Downs Centre

THANKFUL FOR OUR FARMERS...... 14 Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH HOUNDS ON THE DOWNS/BECOME A DOG 01730 814810 AMBASSADOR...... 15 Home of the National Park Authority, THE AQUIFER PARTNERSHIP...... 16 a community hub, visitor information centre and exhibition about the TREE-MENDOUS!/CALLING ALL HORSE RIDERS...... 17 National Park. DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS 2019...... 18

SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Opening Hours A 300TH BIRTHDAY...... 19 Following government guidance the This magazine is printed on 100% FSC® recycled paper. This FSC® paper is sourced from FSC® certified mills and is from South Downs Centre is currently sustainable sources. closed to visitors. Please keep an eye Please

CONTENTS recycle me on our website for details of when it is after use reopened southdowns.gov.uk Front cover photograph; Hare © Andrew Huttly

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

2 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. This year is very special for the South Downs National Park. It was 10 years ago that a vision became a reality.

After years of passionate campaigning, England’s newest National Park was born, designating 1600km2 of special landscape with its breathtaking views, unique heritage and communities and our wildlife by sticking to the path, keeping hidden gems for the benefit of the nation. dogs on the lead around livestock, taking your litter home and The designation was only possible because of the spirited avoid disturbing ground nesting birds and other wildlife”. and tireless work of campaigners, who strove to give the South We had lots of events planned to celebrate our 10th Downs the recognition and protection it deserved since being anniversary but due to the current situation a lot of these are identified as one of 12 potential National Parks all the way back postponed or cancelled. We hope to extend our anniversary in 1947. celebrations into 2021 so keep an eye on our website for the The National Park’s special qualities are as important today most up-to-date information. as they were then and, indeed, a decade ago. This celebration Over the first few pages of this South Downs View you’ll edition of South Downs View brings you a taster of top find an infographic outlining some of the many achievements achievements from the last ten years, from designation of the the Authority and our partners have made in the first decade South Downs Dark Sky Reserve to otter population increases. since we became a National Park. We then look forward Although this is a special year for the South Downs, globally to our ambitious plans with our partners for the next five it is also proving to be a challenging one with the COVID-19 years with our new Partnership Management Plan. You virus sweeping the world. As you will know things are changing can read the full document online at southdowns.gov.uk/ rapidly. Please make sure you always follow up-to-date PartnershipManagementPlan. Government guidance when getting outside. You can find While we’re all responsibly staying closer to home, why not the latest information on accessing the National Park and on plan for a time when we can have new adventures. Check out the running of the Authority during this difficult period on our pages 10 and 11 for a map of the National Park with some website southdowns.gov.uk/national-park-authority/our- attractions and nature spots to get you inspired for a post- work/coronavirus-covid-19-update/ COVID adventure. A word from our Chief Executive Trevor Beattie You can keep up to date with all the news of the South “We understand this remains a very testing time for people Downs National Park by signing up to our newsletter at and many will want to access the National Park for all its health southdowns.gov.uk/join-the-newsletter. #StaySafe and wellbeing benefits. Our absolute priority remains the safety of our visitors as well as the 117,000 people living and working within the National Park. If you are visiting the National Park, please follow the Government guidelines to keep yourself safe by continuing strict social distancing and avoiding hotspots or popular locations. Please also remember that our farmers Rebecca Saunders are working hard to maintain food supplies. Support them, our Editor

WIN Family WIN Membership Columbia to the Sussex RucksackCombo and Archaeological Beanie Society We’ve teamed up with UK National Parks kit provider, Columbia Sportswear, to offer South

© SDNPA Downs View readers the chance to win a 25 Litre We’re offering one lucky reader a 12 month family rolltop daypack and beanie combo. Simply sign up to membership to the Sussex Archaeological Society. our e-newsletter during May or June to be entered into the Benefits include unlimited visits to their six historic sites draw – southdowns.gov.uk/join-the-newsletter. and museums including Lewes Castle & Museum, Anne of Cleves House Museum and Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, as well as subscriptions to top historic publications, access to a programme of historical events and lots more. To enter simply email [email protected]. uk putting ‘Sussex Past Comp’ in the subject box and your name and contact details in the email. The closing date is June 30th when a winner will be picked at random. Good luck!

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 3 THE FIRST 10 YEARS, 2. WORKING WITH FARMERS HOW HAVE WE DONE? AND OTHER CUSTODIANS The Authority is working with our farmers to contribute to the development of the Government’s new agri-environment, Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), to ensure 1. NATURE RECOVERY ON A LANDSCAPE SCALE that quality food production can sit alongside sustainable The National Park Authority is providing strategic leadership on nature recovery at a landscape scale, working with our land management that supports the work to combat climate partners to provide rich connected habitats for wildlife, and diverse, living landscapes for people. Our landscape scale work change and reverse biodiversity decline. has delivered nature recovery across many of our key habitats and also led to local successes for rare and endangered wildlife: We are currently running two tests as part of the ELMS test and trials process: HEATHLANDS RESTORATION WOODLAND RESTORATION 11 PARTNERS in the Heathlands Reunited project 120 % FARMS IN... working to restore... 1,200 WOODLAND 67 in the National Park FOOTBALL now under active 12 management SPECIES PITCHES ...worth of heathland will be of native British amphibian improved and expanded 6 and reptile species in the over the five year project FARM CLUSTERS project area COVERING 2/3RDS OF RIVER RESTORATION CHALK GRASSLAND RESTORATION THE NATIONAL PARK ENGAGED 35 4% WITH Sites along the river Meon of the National Park is chalk where water voles are found grassland 125 The Meon Valley Partnership is working 40 different kinds of plants per square metre. together to successfully restore the nationally 5 In 2012 the Duke of Burgundy butterfly land managers WHOLE ESTATE PLANS important chalk river, the Meon. recovered from the brink of extinction to manage our chalk grassland endorsed by the National Park Authority. Breeding otters spotted back on the River Wart-biter bush cricket reintroduced into new Meon chalk grassland habitat in East Sussex

3. INTERNATIONAL 4. IMPROVE ACCESS 5. DISCOVERING AND DARK SKY RESERVE National Parks are created for everyone and we have SHARING OUR CULTURAL worked hard to make the South Downs more In May 2016 the South Downs National Park accessible. HERITAGE became the world’s newest International Dark Sky The South Downs is rich in cultural heritage, telling a tale of Reserve (IDSR). URBAN AREAS settlement for thousands of years. It is a landscape that has ONE OF... inspired some of our greatest artists, writers and composers. Secrets of the High Woods 16 12,000 Beneath the ancient woods of West Sussex lies a landscape littered with traces of the people who have lived and worked on the South Downs. people engaged with around the National Park, since 2013 2,298 INTERNATIONAL km sites discovered in the 2014, DARK SKY Secrets of the High Woods project 48 USING RESERVES ...new or resurfaced... LiDAR DATA During our Dark Skies Festival, at CYCLE & MULTI- schools and other events we have engaged with over USER PATHS

CENTURION WAY 75% 15,000 NOT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED PEOPLE 160,000 people have used it since it was extended and re-opened in RACTON MAN PARTNERS December 2015 Discovered in 1989, Racton Man was a crouched burial found with an associated bronze dagger. In 2014, the 20 MILES National Park contributed reassessment funding using the latest techniques. WITHOUT Research theorised that he died in STILES combat, aged 45 yrs around 2300BC–2150BC. The evidence for routes5 created, suitable combat is rare as a clear cause of death for people with limited in prehistoric archaeology. The research mobility enabled The Novium Museum’s Racton Man exhibition to tell his story.

4 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. THE FIRST 10 YEARS, 2. WORKING WITH FARMERS 6. YOUNG PEOPLE 7. CHAMPIONING THE NATIONAL HOW HAVE WE DONE? AND OTHER CUSTODIANS PARK The Authority is working with our farmers to contribute to the We want as many young people as possible to be able to visit and learn outdoors in the South The Authority has developed a place brand (shared identity) for the National Park development of the Government’s new agri-environment, Downs and we are working with partners across the National Park to make this happen: for use by partners, communities and businesses, and have extended our outreach Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), to ensure by the use of digital channels 1. NATURE RECOVERY ON A LANDSCAPE SCALE that quality food production can sit alongside sustainable The National Park Authority is providing strategic leadership on nature recovery at a landscape scale, working with our land management that supports the work to combat climate partners to provide rich connected habitats for wildlife, and diverse, living landscapes for people. Our landscape scale work change and reverse biodiversity decline. has delivered nature recovery across many of our key habitats and also led to local successes for rare and endangered wildlife: 21,177 We are currently running two tests as part of the ELMS test and trials process: YOUNG PEOPLE ENTRY HEATHLANDS RESTORATION WOODLAND RESTORATION used the SDNPA School Travel Grant to SIGNS access learning outside since 2013 11 19 installed PARTNERS in the Heathlands 70% OF SCHOOLS Reunited project 120 259 FARMS IN... engaged with in and around the National PROJECTS working to restore... % WOODLAND Park 1,200 ...using the National 67 in the National Park Park shared identity FOOTBALL now under active 12 management SPECIES PITCHES ...worth of heathland will be of native British amphibian improved and expanded 6 STUDENTS and reptile species in the over the five year project FARM CLUSTERS engaged with every year at STEM events project area 600 COVERING 2/3RDS OF RIVER RESTORATION CHALK GRASSLAND RESTORATION THE NATIONAL PARK 130,000 ENGAGED 35 4% WITH Sites along the river Meon of the National Park is chalk where water voles are found grassland 125 4,500 200 40 different kinds of plants per square metre. The Meon Valley Partnership is working individuals have started a John Muir Award as young people engaged together to successfully restore the nationally 5 In 2012 the Duke of Burgundy butterfly land managers WHOLE ESTATE PLANS part of 260 groups. with since 2017 important chalk river, the Meon. recovered from the brink of extinction to manage our Trained 94 educators. All over the past 5 years chalk grassland endorsed by the National Park Authority. Breeding otters spotted back on the River Wart-biter bush cricket reintroduced into new across the National Park Meon chalk grassland habitat in East Sussex SOCIAL MEDIA weekly reach

3. INTERNATIONAL 4. IMPROVE ACCESS 5. DISCOVERING AND 8. SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES 9. PLANNING THAT 10. ENGAGING PEOPLE DARK SKY RESERVE National Parks are created for everyone and we have SHARING OUR CULTURAL DELIVERS ON OUR WITH THE NATIONAL worked hard to make the South Downs more People and communities lie at the heart of the National Park. In the last ten In May 2016 the South Downs National Park PURPOSES AND DUTY: PARK THROUGH accessible. HERITAGE years the Authority has invested directly into these communities to help became the world’s newest International Dark Sky National Parks are living, breathing landscapes The South Downs is rich in cultural heritage, telling a tale of them to plan for the future through: VOLUNTEERING Reserve (IDSR). shaped by people. Our planning function is a powerful settlement for thousands of years. It is a landscape that has tool in our toolkit to conserve, enhance and share these URBAN AREAS inspired some of our greatest artists, writers and composers. ONE OF... Grant-aided by THE SUSTAINABLE landscapes as a nation. COMMUNITIES FUND Secrets of the High Woods The Authority has developed an award-winning 16 12,000 Beneath the ancient woods of West Sussex lies a landscape 202 projects to the value of landscape led Local Plan and raised the bar in littered with traces of the people who have lived and planning design: worked on the South Downs. National Park Authority people engaged with around the National Park, since 2013 Sustainable Communities Fund m SOUTH DOWNS VOLUNTEERING £1.75 LOCAL PLAN 2,298 SOUTH DOWNS LOCAL PLAN ADOPTED 2 JULY 2019 (2014–33) INTERNATIONAL sites discovered in the 2014, km Secrets of the High Woods project PLANNING – SECTION 106 DARK SKY 48 56 91,000 USING for funding 109 RESERVES ...new or resurfaced... NEIGHBOURHOOD volunteering days a year, supported by LiDAR DATA m projects During our Dark Skies Festival, at CYCLE & MULTI- DEVELOPMENT PLANS many different organisations, to £2.90 conserve and enhance the National schools and other events we have from across the National Park were Park. engaged with over USER PATHS involved in the 2019 Local Plan.

CENTURION WAY 75% COMMUNITY ...PARISH PLANNING AWARDS THE SOUTH 15,000 NOT PREVIOUSLY INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCILS received four DOWNS national and RECORDED LEVY given regional planning VOLUNTEER PEOPLE awards 160,000 m RANGER SERVICE people have used it since it £2.50 4 was extended and re-opened in RACTON MAN £300k PARTNERS December 2015 Discovered in 1989, Racton Man was a collected between 2017 and to spend DESIGN AWARDS DAYS crouched burial found with an 2019, with... SUPPORTING associated bronze dagger. In 2014, the MILES National Park contributed reassessment WALKERS & CYCLISTS 20 National Park WITHOUT funding using the latest techniques. WELCOME st work a year Research theorised that he died in AROUND STILES combat, aged 45 yrs around The National Park’s Walkers & Cyclists 2300BC–2150BC. The evidence for Welcome Scheme is designed to promote sustainable access and enjoyment of the ever South Downs National Park routes5 created, suitable combat is rare as a clear cause of death 1 4,000 National Park while supporting local Design Awards was held in 2019 to for people with limited in prehistoric archaeology. The research businesses and communities to benefit from champion great design in the mobility enabled The Novium Museum’s Racton Man exhibition to tell his story. increased custom. National Park

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 5 Become a National Park Custodian The breathtaking landscape and wildlife of the South Downs National Park are something we should all cherish. But, amid our busy lives, it is easy to take this national gem with all its rare fauna and flora for granted, believing that it will simply take care of itself. he truth is that people have a significant role to play in caring for this amazing space. With 117,000 people living within the National Park, and 2.2m living within 10km, people are one of the greatest strengths – an interconnected network of stewards who can work together to help this special place Tflourish. That’s why the National Park Authority is particularly keen to 7. Take the lead encourage people of all ages to take the journey to become custodians. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock, Here are 10 suggestions to get you started... bag and bin your poo bags, and protect ground nesting birds by sticking to the 1. Experience it! 4. Eat local paths, especially between 1 March and 15 Whether it’s walking, cycling, running, The South Downs National Park is home September. kayaking, horse riding or just having to a number of award-winning breweries, a family picnic, get out and enjoy the distilleries and wineries, not to mention 8. Volunteer beauty of the National Park – we promise our fantastic country pubs. Volunteering is simple, fun and one of the it will inspire you! (Please follow the Enjoying the food and drink produced best things you can do to help look after latest Government guidance while Covid locally in the South Downs helps to our National Park. At the moment you restrictions are in place.) support the network of businesses that can volunteer for one of the many Covid are the lifeblood of the National Park’s groups set up across the National Park. 2. Save water economy. You can find local suppliers still When restrictions are lifted, there are Our chalk downland acts as a giant operating on our online map southdowns. plenty of other volunteering opportunities sponge, soaking up and storing millions of gov.uk/connecting-communities-with- across the South Downs. litres of water. local-suppliers-and-support-during- This aquifer provides clean water to the-covid-19-pandemic/ 9. Buy less plastic, and if 1.2m people in the South East. you must buy it – recycle Simple tips include having a shower 5. Reduce chemical use in or bin it! instead of a bath or turning off the tap your garden – go organic More disposable packaging means more when brushing your teeth. Our gardens are home to more wildlife plastic ends up in water courses. and flora than we might realise. Excess Many birds are badly affected by 3. Pick up litter fertiliser and pesticides run through the plastic waste as it can be mistaken for Not all of us are responsible for it but we soil and can end up in our groundwater, nest-building material or food. all hate to see it. Wherever you are in the rivers, streams and wetlands. Litter can be broken down into tiny National Park, make sure you bin litter or particles called microplastics, which take it home. 6. Travel sustainably cannot degrade and can remain in our Walk or cycle where possible. food chain indefinitely. 10. Share it! If you love it, share it with others. Be sure to capture the beauty of the South Downs and share those images on social media – it all helps to raise awareness of

why this area is so special! © All Phoots; SDNPA Phoots; All © 6 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. Partnership Management Plan 2020–2025 © Shutterstock

Our new Partnership Management Plan (PMP) details the ambitious plans of OUTCOME 7: the Authority and our partners for the South Downs National Park over the HEALTH AND WELLBEING next five years. The 10 Outcomes below outline what partners across the National Park together hope to achieve by 2050. The South Downs National Park is a well-used and OUTCOME 1: OUTCOME 4: recognised asset for LANDSCAPE AND NATURAL ARTS AND HERITAGE sustaining mental and BEAUTY Cultural heritage of the physical health The landscape National Park is and wellbeing. character of the South enhanced and widely Downs, its special understood and OUTCOME 8: qualities, natural enjoyed. CREATING CUSTODIANS beauty and local More responsibility distinctiveness have and action is taken by been conserved and enhanced by OUTCOME 5: visitors, communities avoiding or mitigating the negative OUTSTANDING and businesses to impacts of development and cumulative EXPERIENCES conserve and enhance change. Outstanding the special qualities experiences for and use resources more wisely. OUTCOME 2: communities and INCREASING RESILIENCE visitors are supported OUTCOME 9: There is increased by high quality GREAT PLACES TO LIVE resilience within the access and Communities in the landscape for natural sustainable transport networks. National Park are more resources, habitats sustainable with an and species to adapt appropriate provision to the impacts of OUTCOME 6: of housing to address climate change and other pressures. LIFELONG LEARNING local needs and There is widespread improved access to essential services OUTCOME 3: understanding of the and facilities. HABITATS AND SPECIES special qualities of the A thriving and National Park and the OUTCOME 10: connected network of benefits it provides. GREAT PLACES TO WORK habitats and increased A diverse, sustainable, population and dynamic economy distribution of priority which is positively species now exist in linked to the special the National Park. qualities of the National Park.

To read the full PMP including the priorities for each of these Outcomes visit southdowns.gov.uk/ PartnershipManagementPlan

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 7 YOUR NATIONAL PARK To highlight the 10 outcomes of the Partnership Management Plan we have launched our Your National Park campaign.

hroughout the year we Within a stone’s throw of the bustling will be launching short city of Brighton & Hove is Paul’s favourite films featuring one of 10 place – Whitehawk Hill and Sheepcote custodians – one for each of Valley. A tranquil haven of flora and fauna, the Partnership Management it is also a hub for the community – where TPlan Outcomes. Meet Paul Gorringe, people come together to connect with the our champion for Outcome 1: landscape and, furthermore, conserve and Landscape & Natural Beauty enhance it. The “Your National Park” campaign Paul oversees a sheep grazing project features dedicated local heroes of that sees dozens of volunteer shepherds the National Park, including foresters, – or lookerers – help to maintain the “When the sheep industry died off, farmers, historians and local people, who landscape through conservation grazing. getting on for 100 years or so now, we collectively are helping to care for this Sheep are at the heart of the story started to lose our Downs. So what we special place and ensure it will be there for of the creation of the South Downs decided to do was bring back the animals future generations to enjoy. landscape since the arrival of the first that helped open up the Downs in the first The first film to be released features farmers from Europe some 4,500 years place, thousands of years ago. Paul Gorringe a ranger for Brighton & ago. Stone Age farmers cleared the natural “We developed a volunteer programme Hove City Council who sees it as an forest using flint-bladed tools, providing called the ‘Lookering’ or grazing project honour and privilege to be a custodian of timber and grazing land for their animals. A and it basically means we have volunteer the landscape in and around the South combination of sheep grazing over several shepherds. Their role is to come and have Downs National Park, helping to continue hundred years and a chalky soil created a look at the sheep, get the sheep up and a millennia-old tradition that has helped to short, springy grassland. moving, check the fences and check the create one of the rarest habitats on planet Today it is a biodiversity oasis – with up water supply is working. Earth. to 45 different species of flowering plants “We don’t exclude people – we want and mosses per square metre and at least people to come through, even with their 20 species of butterfly on the wing at any dogs, obviously on a lead is preferable. time during the summer. Many people have just never been up Paul, a dad-of-two from Portslade, here before and when they come there’s features in a new inspiring video that a real wow factor. How can you not love explains his love of this special landscape a place like the South Downs – especially and how sheep, and people, are vital for one that’s so connected to the city and the its survival. sea? I think it’s magical.” “The wildlife of this area is extremely Watch Paul’s film on our website rich,” says Paul. “Chalk downland is here. known as a rainforest in miniature and it really is a case of getting down on your knees and discovering this huge biomass of plants and insects.

8 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park.

RUNNER UP WINNER Stedham Common © Mark Couper into the Mistic ©Andrew Gambling Photo Competition WINNER Winners 2019/20 A breathtaking composition capturing a runner jogging into the mist-covered hills at sunrise won the South Downs National Park’s Annual Photo Competition 2019/20. Hare © Andrew Huttly Hare © “Into The Mistic”, by Andrew Gambling, took first place in the popular photography contest, which attracted more than 170 entries capturing scenes from across the length RUNNER and breadth of the National Park. UP The theme for the competition was “Experiencing the Natural World” and judges agreed that Andrew’s extraordinary photograph met the brief perfectly. The runner-up prize for the main category went to Mark Couper, who captured an exceptional image of the National Park’s heathland at Stedham Common, in West Sussex. Meanwhile, the competition also included a separate category for best wildlife image – with first place going to an adorable picture of a hare munching on leaves in a colourful blanket of wildflowers by Adam Huttly. Runner-up in the wildlife category was Dick Hawkes with his delightful picture of a “Surprised Water Vole”. The competition judges were award-winning photographers Rachael Talibart and Finn Hopson, Nick Heasman, Countryside Policy Manager for the South Downs National Park Authority, Doug Jones, SDNPA Member, and the late Steve Watkins, Editor of Outdoor Photography Magazine. Steve sadly passed away in December 2019 and this competition is dedicated to his memory and tireless work to promote photography of the

natural world. © Dick Hawkes Vole Water Surprised

2020 PHOTO COMPETITION – MY TRANQUIL HAVEN WIN The South Downs National Park photo competition opens for entries on Monday 1 June, £250 with a first prize of £250 on offer to the amateur or professional photographer who best captures this year’s theme of ‘My tranquil haven’. To mark the 10th anniversary of the category judges are looking for images Please adhere to the government National Park, the competition is capturing the amazing wildlife of the South guidance of social distancing and avoid also extended this year to include a Downs – the winner in the adult category busy hotspots when exploring the National youth category for budding young will receive £100. Park, visit our website here for advice photographers. The two categories for young on how to stay safe and please be aware Judges are looking for images that photographers are 10 years and under, that the Government guidance is being showcase the tranquil beauty of the South and 11 to 17. There will be a winner for regularly reviewed and our advice may Downs – whether that be a stunning the main theme of ‘My Tranquil Haven’, as change. landscape, woodland, or piece of history. well as best wildlife image, and the winner Entries close on Friday 23 October. There is a runner-up prize of £150 and of each of these categories will receive a Find out more and download the entry third prize of £50. For the wildlife sub- Colombia outdoors rucksack and beanie. form here.

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 9 FUN FACT Water voles are essentially ecosystem engineers – their burrowing and feeding behaviour along the edges of watercourses creates the conditions for other animals and plants to thrive.

released to 30 locations along the stretch of the River Meon in Hampshire. 10 Wildlife © SDNPA  Farmland Birds Farmland bird species such as grey partridges, lapwing, yellowhammer and Success skylark, have seen widespread decline across the UK over the past half century, but the South Downs Farmland Bird Initiative was launched six years ago to help reverse this decline. © David Jeffery Stories A collaboration between the National Park Authority, Natural England, the With its abundance of iconic birds, mammals, fish, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, plants, invertebrates and internationally-important the RSPB, farmers and landowners, habitats, the South Downs National Park is a has focused on haven for wildlife in the busiest part of the UK. introducing nature- friendly farming and The fight to protect and enhance this beautiful sanctuary of flora and fauna is not restoring priority without its challenges, not least the globally-recognised threats of climate change and habitats, including human impacts. But the designation of the South Downs National Park 10 years ago wildflower-rich chalk on March 31, 2010, marked a significant step forward. And, in the 10 years since, great grassland. strides have been made to help improve biodiversity. Here is just a taster of some of our The project is Purkiss SDNPA/Anne © success stories from the last 10 years… ongoing but the evidence so far shows some great  Iconic Crickets found only in five locations, three in the success stories such as on the Iford Estate The South Downs remains the last bastion South Downs. near Lewes where the creation of new in the UK for the iconic field cricket, A pioneering project has seen the wildlife habitats has seen bird biodiversity whose “cheep, cheep, cheep” is the rare insect reintroduced into new chalk flourish from just a handful of species to quintessential sound of summer. grassland habitat around the Deep Dean well over 100. For more information see Thirty years ago the species was Water Treatment Works in East Sussex, www.sdfarmbirds.com isolated to just one site of 100 field thanks to a collaboration between South crickets in West Sussex. But a concerted East Water, Natural England, Buglife, and  Natterjack Toad effort, led by volunteers and conservation the Zoological Society of London. The heathlands of the South Downs organisations, has helped to establish six National Park provide a vitally-important colonies at heathland sites in Sussex, Surrey  Water Voles habitat for the natterjack toad, who need and Hampshire. The water vole is the fastest declining short vegetation for the active hunting of The wart-biter bush cricket is one of the mammal in the UK and during the 1990s their prey and will avoid vegetation such as UK’s most endangered insects and gets its the UK population fell by almost 90 per bracken. name from the ancient Swedish medical cent. The National Park’s Heathlands practice of using them to eat skin warts. It However, the water vole has made a Reunited project, working with the was once found across southern England remarkable comeback in the South Downs Amphibian and Reptile Conservation but numbers have declined so dramatically National Park thanks to the work of the charity, has funded four hectares of that they are now Meon Valley Partnership. Over six years, a bracken spraying to improve the quality total of 2,833 water voles have of their habitat. Longhorn cattle are been also playing a vital role in keeping the vegetation height down to help sustain

this beautiful species. © SDNPA ©

10 Hawkes Dick ©

© Nigel Symington © SDNPA  The Round-Headed This work involves lowering the river Fifty years ago Rampion bank to help reconnect the river with rural areas had its floodplain, narrowing the channel to plenty of owl lofts in The round-headed increase flow and introducing woody barns, but many of rampion, also known debris and newly-planted trees to those barns have as the ‘Pride of provide valuable habitat for wild fish. The been converted Sussex’, can be work is helping to reduce erosion and or lost over the found throughout sedimentation – something that will benefit years. The National © Bruce Middleton the Sussex and spawning wild trout, which need clear Park Authority and Hampshire Downs. well-oxygenated water and clean gravel to the Sussex Ornithological Society have Scrub removal lay their eggs. been working with landowners to reverse followed by sheep this trend and introduce more barn owl

© SDNPA grazing has allowed boxes. There are now 97 barn owl boxes this chalk grassland specialist to flourish. spread across an area from Petersfield to This has only been possible thanks to FUN FACT Pulborough with dozens more across the partnership working at sites like Old Wild trout are excellent indicators rest of the South Downs National Park. Winchester Hill, where the combined of the health of a river – where Tune in to our South Downs National efforts of the SDNPA, Natural England and they thrive you can be sure that Park Barn Owl Watch here. our Volunteer Ranger Service has really other wildlife will thrive too! helped the recovery of this species.  Pearl-bordered Fritillary Work by the South Downs Volunteer  Duke of Burgundy  Otters Rangers is helping to save the regionally The nationally declining and threatened Thought to be locally extinct in Hampshire endangered pearl-bordered fritillary Duke of Burgundy butterfly has responded until a few years ago, otters have made a butterfly by creating special havens for spectacularly to habitat management comeback on the River Meon thanks to a this ‘very fussy’ species in woods on the work performed as part of the South reduction in river pollution. Norfolk Estate, near Arundel, in West Downs Way Ahead Nature Improvement This historic issue caused by factors Sussex. Area (NIA), recovering from the brink such as intensive agriculture is being The pearl-bordered fritillary declined of extinction and extending its territory. tackled by the Meon Valley Partnership, by 95 per cent nationally between 1976 This involved the SDNPA, Wiston Estate, which includes the SDNPA and other and 2014 but has been hit hardest in the Steyning Downland Trust, and Butterfly partners such as the Environment Agency, south east. The butterfly is now extinct Conservation. Portsmouth Water and Hampshire and in Kent and Surrey and there are only In the ‘Chantry to Chanctonbury’ Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The group a handful of colonies left in Sussex and © SDNPA/Anne Purkiss SDNPA/Anne © area of the NIA, annual counts rose from have worked with landowners, local Hampshire, one the result of a successful 82 to 408 between 2012 and 2014, an fishing groups and volunteers re-introduction programme. increase of 398 to help restore river banks and However, its fortunes are on the per cent. Further encourage more nature-friendly up following “Fritillaries for the Future” west, at Heyshott land management. – a three-year project led by Butterfly Escarpment near It’s believed there are now Conservation with the South Downs Midhurst, peak daily three breeding females on the National Park Authority and supported by counts rose from River Meon with a wildlife camera the Heritage Lottery Fund. Last year saw 31 in 2012 to 104 in catching footage last year of a the count reaching 243 butterflies over six 2014, an increase of mother and her two cubs. areas – the highest count since 2011. 235 per cent.

 Wild Trout Symington Nigel © The Rother Revival project, with support from The Sussex Lund grant programme, is currently under way and focuses on restoring and enhancing a stretch of the Western Rother in Hampshire and West Sussex.

© Nigel Symington Nigel ©  Barn Owls An iconic species of the British countryside, barn owls are an apex predator and a good indicator of health of the farmed landscape. As a general rule the more barn owls we have, the healthier

the eco-system is. © Sutterstock ©

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 11

© SDNPA Key KeKey ySouth Downs National Park South Downs NationalWay Park South Downs Way (footpath only) Our priority is keeping our visitors and communities safe. South Downs Way (footpath only) Please follow the latest Government guidelines and stay 2m Railway stations apart when out and about in the National Park. The best way Railway stations to do this is to avoid the most popular destinations. Why not try walking or cycling to a part of the National Park that you have CountrRailwayyside sites yet to discover. We are all custodians of this beautiful landscape SeCountrttlementyside sites so please support our farmers, communities and wildlife SeVisitorttlement Information Points by sticking to the path, keeping you dog on a lead around livestock, taking your litter home and avoid disturbing ground VCycleisitor hire Information Points 2 nesting birds and other wildlife. #staysafeoutside Cycle hire 2

16 3 18 © Nigel Symington

Go butterfly spotting on St Catherine’s Hill – 25 species call it home! © Sam Moore

Trust’s Harting Down. © Rebecca Saunders Walk, cycle or horse ride the Discover a carpet of bluebells on Meon Valley Trail. the walk to historic Kingley Vale. WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU...

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

24 41

46 © Sam Moore

Soak up the stunning purples © Sam Moore of our precious heathlands at © SDNPA Stedham common. Take your binoculars and count Enjoy this riverside Miles without how many species of birds or Stiles route for all starting at butterflies you can spot.. Bramber village. Thankful for our Farmers

The role of our South Downs farmers has never been There are six farm clusters in more vital as they work tirelessly to ensure that our food the South Downs National Park; the production cycle is safeguarded in the face of the global Eastern South Downs Farmers Group, virus pandemic. Arun to Adur Farmers Group, Rother Valley Farmers Group, South Downs lready flat out, catching to deliver nature-friendly farming, Farmers Group, Selborne Landscape up on field work after the including providing wildlife habitats Partnership and the Winchester Downs wet winter, sowing spring such as hedgerows and wildflower Farm Cluster. They range in size from crops and preparing for margins, to encourage bees, butterflies just under 5,000ha to over 30,000ha the lambing season, our and farmland birds such as the grey and have anywhere between 10 and 45 farmersA are key workers in the fight to partridge, and improving the quality of members. keep our countryside both productive soil, air and water. The South Downs National Park and managed effectively for wildlife in Bruce Fowkes, Farming Officer for is also working with farmers and the these uncertain times. the South Downs National Park, said: farm clusters to contribute to the Before the pandemic, work was “Farming is integral to the South Downs, development of the Government’s already underway to help farmers producing quality food and looking after new Environmental Land Management across the South Downs join forces the landscape that we love and enjoy. Scheme (ELMS). Through a series of and create an online portal as they aim These are busy and challenging tests and trials, the aim is to provide to work closer together to care for the times for farmers, with the UK leaving feedback from the farming community landscape. the EU and quality food production more to ensure that future agricultural policies More than 75 per cent of the South critical than ever during this global virus and support ensures the production Downs National Park is farmland and crisis. We hope the website will explain of quality local food can sit alongside farmers play a critical role in looking after the vital role farmers undertake for sustainable land management that the landscape and its wildlife. Although society and provide an opportunity for also helps combat climate change and the UK is in lockdown, their work goes people to find out more detail about the biodiversity decline. on, caring for the land and providing work that farmers do.” For more information visit www. vital food production to keep the country The South Downs has a number of southdownsfarming.com going in these difficult times. successful ‘farm clusters’. These are Please support our farmers by Now more than 120 farms through farmer led groups, consisting of farmers, sticking to the path, keeping dogs on six farmer-led groups across Hampshire land managers, foresters and other the lead around livestock and taking and Sussex are collaborating on a local partners, who work collaboratively your litter home. Always follow the new online platform to share updates, across the landscape to achieve more Countryside Code. projects and best practice. The site also than they are able to do on their own. showcases the ongoing work of farmers

14 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. © Brian Toward © SDNPA HOUNDS ON THE DOWNS Enjoying the South Downs landscape with your four-legged friend is a great way to get some fresh air and keep fit. Make sure you always follow the latest Government guidance while out and about. This stunning National Park is a brilliant place for responsible dog putting your dog on the lead around livestock and from now until walkers with miles of footpaths and large areas of Open Access September during ground nesting bird season, especially during land but there are a few easy to follow guidelines to help you and lambing season, it’s really simple to be a responsible dog owner – your dog stay safe and do your bit to care for this precious place just follow the four steps above. while you’re here. From bagging and binning your dog poo, to BECOME A DOG AMBASSADOR Heathlands sites are great places to walk your dog and on several locations in the South Downs and in normal times you might meet one of our Dog Ambassadors. We hope our dog ambassadors will once more be out and about chatting to people once it is safe to do so. If you’d like to help spread awareness about responsible dog walking and become a dog ambassador on a site near you in the future, please email [email protected] for more information.

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 15 THE AQUIFER

PARTNERSHIP © SDNPA A major five-year £500,000 project has launched to help safeguard the chalk aquifer of the South Downs that supplies water to 1.2m people and is under increasing threat from climate change.

he Aquifer Partnership will work to protect groundwater in the conducted vital research into using the Brighton Chalk Block from pollution, as well as increase resilience power of nature to reduce pollution. This to climate change and extreme weather events that can cause includes plant-powered drainage systems flooding and drought. in busy urban areas and winter cover crops on fields that would normally be left TLed by a partnership between the treatment or a catchment based solution bare. South Downs National Park Authority, to manage concentrations. Southern TAP will now focus on delivery, with an Brighton & Hove City Council, Southern Water projections also show that within ambitious programme designed to bring Water, and the Environment Agency, their supply area in the South East a third people together to care for this precious the wide-reaching programme will work of its water sources may be lost 25 years resource. For more information about with residents, farmers, landowners, and from now due to the impacts of climate these plans visit www.wearetap.org.uk schools across the Brighton, Hove and change, while the population it serves Lewes area to safeguard our drinking could have grown by 15 per cent. Without water. action, Southern Water predicts a supply It comes as there is a pressing and demand deficit by 2030. need to tackle rising nitrate levels in The Aquifer Partnership is a re-launch groundwater that leaches into the aquifer of the Brighton ChaMP for Water project, from urban and rural sources such as which was established in 2016 to protect road run-off and fertilisers. Over 70 per and improve the quality of groundwater in cent of Southern Water’s groundwater the chalk landscape around Brighton. The sources within the Brighton area have team has already engaged with scores

16 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. © SDNPA Tree-mendous!

An inspiring campaign to plant 5,000 trees across A full list of criteria for consideration the South Downs National Park is edging closer can be found on the application website page. Applicants should have to smashing its fundraising target – and now control of the land, or permission from expressions of interest for planting are being the landowner, as well as any other permissions that might relate to the land taken. being planted. Eligible projects must be rees for the Downs was seeking to identify suitable projects that within the boundary of the National Park. launched during National will provide benefits to people, wildlife and Leading horticultural experts from Tree Week at the end of the landscape of the South Downs. Hillier will be growing and nurturing November and, in just six Nick Heasman, Countryside and the trees for the Trust to deliver to the months, £52,000 has been Policy Manager who heads the National community. Disease-resistant elm will Traised from donations and gifts. The Park’s woodlands team, said: “We’re be key in the replanting as, ecologically campaign is aiming to raise £61,500 really excited to have raised £52,000 in speaking, it is the closest match to ash to restore trees that have been lost six months and I’d like to thank each and and supports many of the same insect over the past few decades, including every person, business and organisation and butterfly species. However, Trees for those to Ash Dieback and Dutch Elm who has made a donation so far. With the Downs will be looking at a range of Disease. 85 per cent of the funding secured, we native species for the replanting, with the While the fundraising continues in can open the online application process emphasis on the ‘right tree in the right earnest, the South Downs National Park and we’re interested to hear from anyone place’. Trust is now opening the initial online who wants to plant trees in the South To make an expression of interest or application process. The Trust, the official Downs – trees of any size, and planting to donate visit southdownstrust.org.uk/ charity of the National Park, is looking to at any scale, in towns, villages, or in the trees-for-the-downs carry out planting over the winter and is countryside.”

CALLING ALL HORSE RIDERS

Horse riders are being called upon to help with the creation of a new series of self-guided trails for the South Downs National Park. Working with the British Horse is developing handy downloadable • A short description of the route and a Society, The National Park Authority guides that will include some of the simple map showing the route. best circular routes across Sussex and Initially, we are keen to hear from riders Hampshire. who use the following areas, but routes in We want to hear from riders about other areas are also welcomed: where they like to ride and what their • Queen Elizabeth Country Park, favourite routes are. Please make sure you Hampshire follow the latest Government guidelines at • Harting Down, West Sussex all times when out riding. • Heyshott Common, West Sussex If you’d like to recommend a route, • Eartham Woods, West Sussex please send the following details to • Seven Sisters Country Park, East [email protected]: Sussex • Start point – ideally with horsebox • East Dean, East Sussex. parking. © SDNPA • The length of ride (ideally 5-10 miles). Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 17 In the Conservation Category, the winner The winner of the Non-Residential was King Edward VII Sanatorium Category went to Ditchling Museum

A special award for Innovation was given Design to Nithurst Farm Easebourne Community Space – winner Awards of the People’s Choice Award

In the last edition of South Downs View we launched the first ever Design Awards for the South Downs National Park, recognising outstanding design projects in the first decade of the National Park.

ore than 60 In the Conservation Category, the the scheme “challenged perceptions” to nominations from winner was King Edward VII Sanatorium, the extent that it required its own award across the National in Easebourne, West Sussex. Judges category. Judges said the scheme was Park were received noted that there was “no finer example of “groundbreaking” and noted that it was a for the awards, conservation architecture” and “marveled “bold and intellectual” building. Mwhich celebrated innovative and at the consistency and attention to Meanwhile, more than 1,200 votes inspirational projects that have detail”. were cast for the People’s Choice Award, made a standout contribution The winner of the Residential which included an online poll for the to the landscape, heritage, built Category was The Riverside House, public’s favourite among 16 shortlisted environment and local communities in South Street, Lewes, East Sussex. schemes. The winning trophy went of the National Park. Judges were impressed by the way the to Easebourne Community Space, in The winner of the Non-Residential design team had “exploited this space Easebourne, West Sussex. It was noted Category went to Ditchling Museum, in to its full value, with a robust yet graceful that the scheme was an “impressive mix Ditchling, East Sussex. Judges said the building of high architectural merit”. of play area and habitat creation” and a scheme “showcases really thoughtful A special award for Innovation was fine example of the “power of using the architectural design, respecting and given to Nithurst Farm, in Upperton, National Park for health and well-being connecting with its history and setting”. West Sussex. Judges remarked that purposes”.

18 SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. WIN: Brewery tour and goodies for two! Nestled in the heart of the South Downs near Midhurst is the independent steam-powered Langham’s microbrewery. Having adapted to the current social distancing regulations, Langham’s have continued to serve their community creating a drive-through and home delivery service. Now one lucky reader can win a tour of the brewery for th two, when the brewery is safely open again, a Langham t-shirt and 6 beers of their choice. To enter simply email A 300 [email protected] putting ‘Langham Brewery comp’ in the subject box and your contact details in the main email. Closing date for entries is 31 Birthday August 2020 when a winner will be picked at random. Good luck! © SDNPA/Charlie Hellewell © SDNPA/Charlie 2020 marks 300 years since Gilbert White was born. been very rewarding to be able to do our ilbert White, who lived his A museum dedicated to Gilbert White bit to help the local community.” whole life within the South is based at his former house and gardens Anooshka Rawden, Cultural Heritage Downs National Park and in Selborne, a picturesque village in the Lead for the South Downs National Park, travelled frequently from South Downs. The museum planned a outlines how places like Gilbert White’s East Sussex to Hampshire, packed year of events to celebrate this House and Gardens providing support to Gwas a pioneer of natural science, important anniversary. However, in light local people demonstrates how culture and has been called the ‘founding of the Covid-19 pandemic these events heritage is embedded in our communities; father of ecology’. He was one of the have mostly been cancelled and they “Our cultural heritage – our museums, first people to make natural history are instead looking for other ways to galleries, heritage attractions – are not accessible for the general public, celebrate. Keep an eye on their website only cornerstones of our tourist and rural changing the way people saw nature for more information about how you can economies, they are the stories of how forever and inspiring generations get involved with any future celebrations places have been shaped by people of naturalists from Darwin to – gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk. You can and ideas. Their historic collections, Attenborough. also follow the museum on twitter – buildings, remnants left in the landscape, Gilbert White could not be more @GilbertWhites – to view extracts from are all traces of how we have adapted to relevant today, as we wake up to the reality White’s diaries which are being published change, opportunity and circumstance of the effects of climate change on our as part of the yearlong celebrations. over time. natural world. 231 years ago, Gilbert White Compare weather between the equivalent Creativity and culture has also always wrote The Natural History of Selborne, a day in the 18th century and today, or been about looking forward, and the focus book which he hoped would encourage his consider what plants you can or can’t see on community by cultural organisations readers to connect to the cycles of nature. which Gilbert records seeing for the first at this time when their own survival is at White was one of the first to understand time on a particular day. stake has been inspiring – from art packs that losing species, whether animal or Although the museum and house are distributed through foodbanks, provision plant, would have a disastrous effect on currently closed to visitors, they have been of food parcels, to creative courses online humankind, as well as the natural world. working with the local pub, The Selborne to support wellbeing.” Gilbert White inspired generations to be Arms, to provide food supplies and Gilbert White’s museum is part of in sync with the natural world and his deliveries for the local community in these a new interactive map which supports tercentenary comes at the perfect time as unprecedented times. Museum Director communities by signposting people to we begin to reconnect with what is being Steve Green explains: “The museum is food, drink and other support services lost. We should all aim to live as Gilbert currently closed to visitors, but our cafe close to where they live during the White did, on a quest to understand and has effectively become the village shop, Covid-19 crisis. To see the map visit appreciate the natural world – something providing the essentials people need. This southdowns.gov.uk/connecting- that many of us are deeply missing in the is a challenging time for everyone, but it’s communities-local-suppliers-support- current restrictive times. covid19-pandemic/

SOUTH DOWNS VIEW – SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park. 19 “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” JOHN MUIR #STAYSAFEOUTSIDE © John Dominick