South Downs National Park celebrates ten years

Tuesday, March 31, will mark exactly a decade since the park was designated a protected site of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.

Margaret Paren, chairman of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “This is a very important year for the South Downs National Park as we celebrate its tenth anniversary.

“Although we are a young national park we have achieved much over the past ten years.

“This has only been possible thanks to the efforts of our local communities and a wide range of partners, as well as the hard work of volunteers.

“For all their contributions I would like to say a heartfelt thank you.

“As we look forward to the next 10 years, there are big challenges ahead, particularly from the pressure of global climate change and the loss of biodiversity.

“But I am optimistic that the passion people have for this diverse and dynamic landscape will remain our strongest asset and their commitment will ensure that the South Downs National Park will remain an important place for people and nature in this crowded corner of England.”

The park is celebrating its top ten achievements in the last ten years.

First, the park has worked in nature recovery across habitats and helped rare and endangered wildlife.

This has included restoring 12 species of British amphibian and reptile species and recovering the Duke of Burgundy butterfly from the brink of extinction.

Second, the park’s farmers have helped in the development of the Government’s Environmental Land Management Scheme, which encourages sustainable land management.

Third, the park became an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2016, and holds an annual Dark Skies Festival.

It is one of 16 such reserves in the world, protected areas of land that meet a criteria of sky quality and natural darkness.

Fourth, the park has become more accessible through the creation of more cycling and walking paths.