Green Light for South Downs National Park
20 year campaign succeeds after Government announcement
The Ramblers, as part of the South Downs Campaign group, is celebrating the news that the Government has confirmed the South Downs National Park in Sussex and Hampshire.
The South Downs stretches westwards for more than 90 miles from the spectacular white cliffs of Beachy Head across Sussex and Hampshire to Winchester. It contains some of the best-known and most admired hill country in the United Kingdom.
The Park will be established broadly along the lines proposed by the then Countryside Agency, almost seven years ago and will bring greater protection and funding to the area. It also includes the 'hotly contested' Western Weald (an area of sandstone woodland and farmland the size of the Isle of Wight), and the settlements of Ditchling and Lewes.
The news comes just days after the campaign, supported by Ramblers president Floella Benjamin, Ben Fogle (Campaign for National Parks) and Bill Bryson (CPRE), delivered over 20,000 postcards to Defra highlighting the public support for this new National Park.
Ramblers South Downs Campaigner, David Murray, said of today's announcement: "The government should be congratulated for providing such a great gift to the nation. National Parks are a huge walking asset, offering a myriad of walking opportunities. The South Downs in on the doorstep of millions of people and this decision will safeguard it for future generations".
Lewes seen from Firle Beacon © Countryside Agency
Why the South Downs Should be designated a National Park
The South Downs provides a “green lung” for the region and yet its cherished qualities and environment are under threat like never before in developed South East. Although the area is currently protected as two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park status will bring added protection for a multitude of reasons.
Click on this link to see a map that shows the area that will become a National Park (as confirmed 31st March 2009).
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