News and Events

South Downs News

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November 2022
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WORK AND PLAY IN YOUR NATIONAL PARK
 

THIS MONTH:

As always please send your comments and ideas to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk
 
 
"National Parks need the resources to match our ambitions"

The South Downs National Park Authority has responded to a national media report on the funding of England’s National Parks.

Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive of the National Park Authority, says we need the resources to match our ambitions for nature recovery, access for all and the national response to climate change. Find out more here.
 

Astrophotography competition is back!

Autumn and winter bring shorter days for exploring the South Downs, but the night-time offers its own dazzling display of the natural world.

Now the National Park is asking people to capture the awesome wonders of the night sky as our popular astrophotography competition returns for its third year with a top prize of £100. Find out more.
Enter an image to the astrophotography contest
 
Win an amazing South Downs hamper!

Our popular Advent Calendar quiz returns! Sign up before 1 December for the chance to win a luxury hamper. 

Open a door every day until Christmas and answer a fun question about the South Downs National Park. Good luck everyone!
Sign up to the advent calendar quiz
 

Lottery funding of £2m for climate action

Communities in the Ouse Valley have been awarded more than £2m of lottery funding to help make the region a national pioneer in tackling the climate change emergency.

Learn more here.
 

Funding opens for farm scheme

Farmers and land managers in the South Downs National Park are being encouraged to apply for funding that could significantly improve business resilience and help the environment.

The National Park Authority is putting the call out for applications as new funding becomes available for farmers to implement nature recovery, climate action and sustainability, as well as initiatives that improve landscape, heritage and access.

Find out more and apply.
 

Nature walk to mark 50 years of South Downs Way

More than 40 pupils from Buriton Primary School joined National Park Ranger Chris Lickley for a guided walk to learn more about the 100-mile trail and the amazing wildlife living near it. Find out more.
 

Victory as bridge infilling is scrapped

The National Park Authority has welcomed the scrapping of proposals to infill a Victorian railway bridge that could one day become an active travel route for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair-users and horse riders.

Learn more.
 

A celebration of Sussex landscape

Tess Viljoen, from Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, tells us about an art exhibition you won’t want to miss!

Find out more.
 

Achievements in archaeology

Two archaeological projects in the South Downs have been shortlisted for major national awards.

Cissbury Goes Digital and the Seaford Head Project are contenders for awards from the Council for British Archaeology to recognise outstanding achievement.

Learn more.
 

Unravelling the mystery of cemetery

DNA analysis of Saxon skeletons, including some found in the South Downs, has shone a light on medieval migrations to post-Roman Britain and how local culture was affected.

Researchers have been analysing over 400 individuals from ancient Britain and Europe, including bones found at a Saxon cemetery at Apple Down, near Up Marden, West Sussex. Find out more.
 

A South Downs adventure!

Teenagers have given heartfelt accounts of amazing mental health benefits after connecting with the great outdoors.

Young people from across the South East have been taking part in action-packed clubs in the National Park that involve getting closer to nature. Find out more.
 

Raising a toast
to celebratory beer

A delightful beer crafted from the stunning landscape around the South Downs Way will be unveiled to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Trail.

Expert brewers at Long Man Brewery have been beavering away all summer creating a special ale to mark the big birthday this year.

And now the wait is over! Find out more.
 

Pedal power on the Eastern Downs

South Downs by Bike is a series of curated cycle routes taking in the Eastern Downs.

Find out more about these cycle routes and plan your next adventure,
 

Pick up an amazing National Park Calendar!

With the festive period fast approaching, why not come to visit us at the South Downs Centre?

You can find a variety of gifts for Christmas, from our branded items to our new locally-sourced products, such as beeswax candles and soaps.

Our branded items include keyrings, magnets, mugs, and a whole lot more!

We also have a 2023 calendar available for purchase online or in-store, featuring stunning photos from across the national park.

Visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/south-downs-calendar-2023 to buy a calendar or pop into our visitor centre in Midhurst!

WIN A FREE CALENDAR! We’ve got five calendars to give away. People who sign up to the newsletter during December will automatically be entered into the draw. Or, email “holly and oak” to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk before midnight on November 30.

Sign up to the newsletter here and see competition T&C’s here.
 
Things to do in November

Find other events and activities across the National Park and submit your own. Please remember booking may be necessary and do check full details with the venue.
  • Enjoy The Royal Ballet streamed live from the Royal Opera House to a cinema screen and in full surround at Leconfield Hall in Petworth on 16 November.
  • Head to Stansted Farm Shop for a Christmas Taster Evening on 16 November to get you in the festive mood and help you plan your Christmas menu.
  • Enjoy a tour of Chawton House in Hampshire on 20 November.  Join exhibition curator Emma Yandle for a tour of their current exhibition “Trailblazers: Women travel writers and the exchange of knowledge”.
  • Head to Charleston House in East Sussex for a one-day workshop on 21 November where you will be given your own handmade card lampshade to paint and take home.
  • Join Hounds for Heroes on 27 November for a festive sponsored dog walk at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Waterlooville in Hampshire.
  • Join Petworth House for a wreath-making workshop on 28 November and 5 December to add festive cheer to your home. Learn how to make a wreath using foliage collected from the grounds of the historic house.
  • Looking for some lovely Christmas gifts? Head to Seven Sisters Country Park over the weekend of 10 and 11 December for a cosy Christmas Market in the new visitor centre!