South Downs Society

This is a small selection of issues on which we are currently campaigning. You can read more about issues affecting the South Downs and other articles of interest by visiting our Publications page.

South Downs NETWORK launches, as South Downs Campaign completes its work

A new alliance between major environmental groups has led to the creation of the South Downs Network, which will fight long term for the best possible South Downs National Park. The groups, all long standing supporters of the hugely successful South Downs Campaign, want to ensure that environmental matters are given high priority in the work of the new National Park Authority which will come into being this April.  (9 February 2010) Read more »

Countryside organizations regret West Sussex County Council’s decision on South Downs paths

Countryside organizations have today (1 February 2010) reacted angrily to the news that West Sussex County Council has ignored pleas from the public, environmental organizations and even its own environment committee about public paths in the South Downs National Park.  The County Council has announced it will definitely take back the maintenance of rights of way and countryside sites in the West Sussex National Park area. At a stroke, this will end eighteen years of very successful integrated path work throughout Sussex and jeopardises the goodwill of hundreds of volunteers. Read more »

Environment Committee urges West Sussex County Council to think again on South Downs paths and tracks

Countryside organizations have today (20 January 2010) welcomed the recommendation that West Sussex County Council should reconsider its position on rights of way in the South Downs National Park.  The recommendation was made by the County Council’s environment committee which said they felt the South Downs Society, the Access Forum, parish councils and other county councils should be consulted before a final decision was made. Read more »

Interview with Nick Herbert MP

From the pages of the January 2010 Downsman - An Interview with Nick Herbert MP

Nick Herbert is the MP for Arundel and South Downs. He tells John Songhurst and Jacquetta Fewster how proud he is to be the MP, and how his heart lifts every time he travels down from London.

Second chance for South Downs Paths

The South Downs Society today (12 January 2010) praised the Councillors who have stepped in to question the County Council’s controversial position on public paths in the South Downs.  Read more »

SOCIETY CRITICIZES COUNTY COUNCIL‘S DECISION ON PATHS IN THE NATIONAL PARK

Environmental group the South Downs Society today (4 January 2010) called on West Sussex County Council to reverse its decision to prevent the new South Downs National Park Authority from looking after footpaths in the Park. Read more »

No more socks this Christmas! Buy a gift to help protect our beautiful South Downs

The conservation charity, the South Downs Society, today (8 December 2009) announced the answer to this year’s Christmas gift problems.  A gift membership to the South Downs Society is the perfect present for anyone who loves the stunning area stretching between Eastbourne and Winchester, confirmed last month as Britain’s newest National Park. Read more »

GLYNDEBOURNE WIND TURBINE PROVED TO BE HOT AIR

Following the release of new data, national and regional environmental groups have today (20 November 2009) called on the world-famous Glyndebourne Opera House to abandon their plan to build a giant wind turbine in the South Downs National Park. Read more »

National Park is Confirmed

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State, today (12 November 2009) joined members of the South Downs Society and other members of the South Downs Campaign to celebrate the confirmation of the South Downs as a National Park.  The celebrations took place in Ditchling, one of the beautiful villages which is now in the National Park. Read more »

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State, signs the order confirming the South Downs National Park

Stop the Cissbury Sell Off

Local environmental group the South Downs Society has today (11 November 2009) welcomed the announcement by Worthing Council that it is reviewing its decision to sell off land it owns around the famous Cissbury Ring archaeological site. Read more »

Mount Carvey near Cissbury (c) Trevor Hodgson of SCSO

END BROADBAND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SOUTH DOWNS COMMUNITIES

The South Downs Society today (28 October 2009 launched its campaign to tackle the lamentable provision of broadband internet in the South Downs and has called on Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of British Telecom, to take immediate action. Read more »

BEN FOGLE CELEBRATES NEWEST NATIONAL PARK

Broadcaster, adventurer and President of the Campaign for National Parks, Ben Fogle today (17 October 2009) walked with two hundred people to celebrate the South Downs becoming a National Park. Read more »

Ben Fogle celebrates National Park status with campaigners (c) Anne Purkiss/South Downs Joint Committee

Celebrate, Don't Desecrate

Environmental campaign group, the South Downs Society, today (13th October 2009) called for the South East Arts Panel to reject a bid from an arts group to construct a huge new earthwork on the top of the Downs near Brighton. Read more »

Adventurer Ben Fogle leads South Downs celebration

Broadcaster, adventurer and President of the Campaign for National Parks, Ben Fogle, today (6 October 2009) invited the public to join him for a walk on Saturday 17 October at Amberley, in the heart of the new National Park. Read more »

Ben Fogle, President of the Campaign for National Parks

Success for Campaign: sand quarry in National Park on hold

Local green campaigners are today (22 September 2009) allowing themselves a cautious celebration at news that construction giant Tarmac have decided not to press on with a planning application for a huge new sand quarry near the villages of Kingsley and Oakhanger in East Hampshire.

ENJOY THE SOUTH DOWNS ON CAR FREE DAY, 22 SEPTEMBER

The South Downs Society today (14 September 2009) announced two events it is staging to celebrate international Car Free Day.  Every 22 September, people from around the world gather for walking and cycling car-free events. 

DAYS OUT ON THE DOWNS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH THANKS TO THE SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY'S GREEN TRAVEL WEEK

The South Downs Society today (18 August 2009) announced it is staging a week of Walks and Strolls from 29 August to 5 September to encourage travel to the start of walks by public transport. Read more »

Sand working in Hampshire

Environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, has today (4 August 2009) called on construction giant Tarmac to respect the recent government decision to confirm the boundary for the South Downs National Park and give up on its efforts to open up a major sand working in the north west of the Park near Bordon in Hampshire.

East Meon wind farm will not go ahead

Local people in East Meon were rejoicing at the news, which reached them over the weekend (of 2 August 2009), that the company proposing to put two 400-foot wind turbines on the Downs at HMS Mercury had decided not to go ahead.  There was much jubilation in the village, where people had been determined to fight the plan. According to East Meon Parish Council, Volkswind, the company concerned, are understood to have dropped the proposal in the light of the high level of public opposition they had encountered and a statement by Energy Minister Ed Miliband that wind farms should not be built in National Parks and AONBs. Read more »

New Eco Town proposed on the edge of the South Downs National Park

Countryside campaign group the South Downs Society today (16 July 2009) responded to the Government announcement that a handful of possible new Eco-towns were likely to go ahead, following rounds of consultation.  John Healey, the Housing Minister, today announced that four sites would go through to the next planning stage, including Whitehill-Bordon on the boundary of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, but Ford in Sussex would not be progressed. Read more »

Volunteer Wanted

Are you fond of the Downs?  Familiar with Alfriston, the Cuckmere valley, the Seven Sisters, Beachy Head?  Would you like to help protect them?  ( 25 June 2009)

WIND TURBINE COMPANY THREATENS THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUTH DOWNS

The South Downs Society today (12 May 2009) called on the German wind-turbine company, Volkswind, to scrap plans to build two massive wind turbines on the picturesque Salt Hill and Wether Down hilltops in the heart of the South Downs National Park area.  At 415 feet in height, the turbines would be more than twice as high as Nelson’s column, and would be as tall as a 40-storey sky-scraper.  The structures would dwarf the small wind turbines that have been erected in other national parks in the UK. Read more »

DAVID DIMBLEBY AND LEN CLARK PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR THE SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY

The broadcaster David Dimbleby, and countryside campaigner, Len Clark, became Vice-Presidents of the conservation group, the South Downs Society at its AGM in Petersfield on Saturday (9 May 2009).  The two great champions of the South Downs were elected unanimously at the Society’s AGM in Petersfield. Read more »

The National Park is Coming!

The South Downs Society today (7 April 2009) launched a Festival of Walks to celebrate the coming of the South Downs a National Park. Read more »

Green Light for South Downs National Park: 20 year campaign succeeds after Government announcement

It has been more than 60 years in the making but today (31 March 2009) sees the South Downs become England’s 10th and the United Kingdom’s 15th National Park. Read more »

Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, announces the creation of the South Downs National Park, at the Weald & Downland Museum, 31 March 2009

BILL BRYSON DELIVERS GIANT SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK POSTCARD: WILL THE GOVERNMENT GET THE MESSAGE?

Bill Bryson, author and President of CPRE, today (18 March 2009) presented a giant postcard to the Government on behalf of the South Downs Campaign, a network of over 150 organisations pressing for a South Downs National Park. The postcard is one of 18,500 sent to Government calling on it to confirm the widest possible boundary.  The postcard was also signed by Ben Fogle, Brian Blessed, Campaign for National Park President and Vice President respectively, Floella Benjamin OBE, Ramblers’ President and David Dimbleby. Read more »

Campaigners deliver a giant postcard to DEFRA, credit: CRC/Anne Purkiss

BATELY LECTURE 2009

After more than ten years’ hard work, it is vital that the renowned landscapes of the South Downs, their communities and the nation really benefit from National Park status as soon as possible. Read more »

Blackdown, credit Natural England/Anne Purkiss

Downs Group’s Eco-town Concerns

Long-established environmental group, the South Downs Society, has today (4 March 2009) warned that a possible new Eco-town at Ford near Arundel will cause damage to the Downs and adjoining areas. Read more »

The Cuckmere Meanders : Let’s Be Positive!

Environmental pressure group the South Downs Society has today (17 December 2008) called on the government’s Environment Agency to adopt a positive approach to managing flood risk in the iconic beauty spot, the Cuckmere Meanders.
Read more »

Falmer Stadium and the Devil in the Detail

Environmental group, the South Downs Society, has today (8 December 2008) reminded Brighton and Hove Council of its opposition in principle to the proposed football stadium at Falmer but recognises that the government overruled planning inspectors to grant permission.  The Society has looked closely at the Albion’s revised plans, now with the Council for decision, and given some aspects a cautious nod. 

A Green Light for Green Energy

Green pressure group, the South Downs Society, has responded positively to a government consultation on renewable energy. Read more »

Help save and nurture the South Downs this Christmas

Back by popular demand!  The South Downs Society has re-introduced their Christmas Cards depicting beautiful snowy scenes of the Downs. Read more »

Special Taster-Walks on offer in November in the Western Weald

The South Downs Society is holding two special taster walks in the Western Weald in November.  The walks are part of a programme of over 300 walks and strolls that are organized every year by the conservation charity the South Downs Society.
Read more »

Black Down, (c) Natural England/Anne Purkiss

 

Environmental Group Opposes Major Housing in Sight of Downs

Environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, today (17 November 2008) urged Wealden Council to reject plans for 500 houses at Polegate. Read more »

Rare species returning to the Downs, and education projects flourishing, thanks to support from the South Downs Society

Today (13 November 2008) the conservation charity, the South Downs Society, held a special event to celebrate five of the most important conservation and education projects in the South Downs in 2008.  All the projects have been supported by grants from the South Downs Society Fund.   
Read more »

Endangered Duke of Burgundy Butterfly, copyright Neil Hulme, Butterfly Conservation Trust

No more socks for Christmas! Buy a gift to help protect our beautiful South Downs

Unwanted Christmas gifts are a thing of the past!  Purchase a gift that will bring hours, days, indeed years of pleasure.  For the first time in its history, The South Downs Society is offering Gift Membership Subscriptions starting at just £15 a year.
Read more »

Free train travel opens up the stunning South Downs to youngsters from across London and the south east

The conservation charity, the South Downs Society, and train operator, Southern, today (10 November 2008) announced they are teaming up to enable thousands of youngsters to enjoy the South Downs area of outstanding natural beauty.
Read more »

Downs Watchdog Criticises Regional Masterplan

Green pressure group, the South Downs Society, has today (27 October) given a mixed welcome to government’s proposed changes to the South East Plan which will guide development across the region till 2026.
Read more »

UK Renewable Energy Strategy Consultation : The South Downs Society Response

The Society has responded to government’s recent consultation on a national strategy for renewable – green – energy. Read more »

Free train travel for youth groups walking on the South Downs

The South Downs Society has launched a great new project which will enable hundreds of youngsters to enjoy the beautiful South Downs. The Society has published walks especially designed for children and young people, and to make it as easy as possible, the train company, Southern, has generously agreed to give free off-peak train travel to all those attending the walk, including adults accompanying the youth group.

SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY RENEWS ITS OBJECTION TO THE STADIUM IN THE SUSSEX DOWNS

The South Downs Society has today (15 September 2008) vowed to oppose plans to change the huge new Brighton & Hove Albion Football Stadium.  Read more »

FIRST EVER GIANT WIND TURBINE IN A NATIONAL PARK IS TO BE BUILT

National and regional environmental groups have today (11 July 2008) criticized the government’s decision to grant permission for a giant wind turbine at Glyndebourne in the South Downs. The turbine will be the first industrial-scale turbine ever to be built in a designated national park. Read more »

Huge Grant Give-Away for Local Groups

A local conservation body, the South Downs Society, today (23 June 2008)announced that they are making grants available to turn the most innovative and exciting ideas into reality. The total amount of money available is a whopping £25,000. Read more »

New giant pylons proposed for the South Downs

A new government report, released on 11 June 2008, on electricity generation and transmission has recommended new power lines are considered for the South Downs.  The power lines would connect the new power station at Dungeness, proposed as part of the prime minister’s new wave of nuclear generators, to homes and businesses throughout London and the South East. 

Pylons by Peter Pearson

Bad News in Prospect: South Downs Oil Drill given the Go-Ahead

Environmental pressure group the South Downs Society hit out at today’s decision (13 May 2008) by West Sussex County Council to approve an application by Northern Petroleum to prospect for oil in a beautiful part of the Downs near the border between Sussex and Hampshire. Read more »

Conservationists welcome final routing of the South Downs Way National Trail

The South Downs Society has today (31 March 2008) welcomed a long-awaited decision on the route of the famous South Downs Way across the picturesque Meon Valley in Hampshire. Read more »

The proofs of evidence on the Western Weald are delivered

A mass of detailed evidence to support the inclusion of the Western Weald in the South Downs National Park has been researched, written, printed and collated for delivery today (17 March 2008) to the Inspector of the South Downs National Park inquiry.
Read more »

GLYNDEBOURNE’S WIND TURBINE COULD SPOIL TRANQUILLITY OF THE SOUTH DOWNS

Building a huge wind turbine on the South Downs could undermine its tranquillity, one of the most important qualities sought by the public when visiting the countryside. This is the concern of campaigners, united in opposition to Glyndebourne Opera’s proposal to construct an industrial scale turbine within the designated South Downs National Park. (5 March 2008) Read more »

Iconic English landscape threatened by giant turbine: Environmental groups unite to fight

The beauty of the South Downs is being defended against a giant wind turbine proposed by the Glyndebourne Opera House. A coalition of leading countryside organisations will make their case at a planning inquiry starting on 26 February in Lewes, East Sussex.

Campaigners protest against the Glyndebourne wind turbine

Glyndebourne Turbine: Green controversy as Environmental Protection Consortium fights to protect South Downs

An Environmental Protection Consortium which links up green groups will be challenging plans for a giant wind turbine on the South Downs near Glyndebourne when a Planning Inquiry opens in Lewes on Tuesday 26th February 2008.

Conservation Group pledges support for the Cuckmere

The Environment Agency believes that a continuation of the engineering approach to managing flood risk in the estuary is no longer sustainable, either financially or environmentally, and that the effect of rising sea levels and climate change on time-expired river banks means that things cannot remain the same.  Either the defences will have to be raised over and over again to the detriment of local views and wildlife, and with potentially disastrous implications if they should ever fail, or a more radical approach needs to be adopted, allowing the river to return to its former meandering course, with the river floodplain fulfilling its role of accommodating flood waters.  (26 October 2007.)

SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK INQUIRY TO REOPEN

The South Downs Society gave a welcome to today’s news (25 October 2007) that the inquiry into the South Downs National Park will be reopened.  Read more »

HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS CALL FOR MIDHURST TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL PARK

On Saturday 8 September over three hundred people signed a petition calling for Midhurst, Petworth and the rest of the western Weald to be included within the boundary of the South Downs National Park.  Read more »

South Downs Society Welcomes Planning Victory

Local amenity group the South Downs Society has today (28th August 2007) welcomed the decision of East Hampshire District Council to reject plans for a factory and enterprise units at The Causeway, Petersfield.

“Up the Downs”: South Downs Society Supports Arundel Museum Society Art Exhibition

8th August - 30th September 2007

The South Downs Society has partnered Arundel Museum Society in the launch of an exhibition of paintings, “Up the Downs” which includes lino-cuts by the late Robert Tavener of the South Downs, plus photographs, oils and watercolours by seven other Sussex artists.

The exhibition was opened on Wednesday 8th August 2007 by John Songhurst, Chairman of the South Downs Society. John introduced the work of the South Downs Society, highlighting the current campaigns and proposed developments which will intrude upon the beauty of the South Downs, a beauty so creatively captured in the works of the exhibiting artists.

"Sussex Weald" by Robert Tavener

Giant South Downs Wind Turbine: Government Intervenes

Leading countryside organizations have today (Tuesday 21st August 2007) welcomed the government’s decision to call-in the application for a 230-foot wind turbine at Glyndebourne on the South Downs, in a location which forms part of the designated national park.

Society Announces its Decision on Falmer Stadium

The South Downs Society today (15 August 2007) announced that it will not further challenge the government’s decision to allow the 22,000-seater stadium to be built in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Falmer.

Don't Water Down the National Park

Longstanding amenity group, the South Downs Society, has today (13 August 2007) called on the Government to go along with its own environmental advisors in setting up a South Downs National Park with wide boundaries.

South Downs Countryside to be covered in Concrete

The South Downs Society today (24 July 2007) reacted with incredulity at the decision by Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to allow the building of a 22,000-seater sports stadium in the South Downs.

Society supports school visit to the South Downs

Vanessa Baber, Headteacher of Twineham CE Primary School, today (19 July 2007) publicly thanked the South Downs Society for making it possible for children from the school to enjoy an educational visit to the stunning South Downs. 

Children enjoy their visit to the Cuckmere

Campaigners take to the streets to save the Western Weald

On Saturday 21 July 2007, campaigners from the South Downs Society will take to the streets of Midhurst because of the threat to cut the Western Weald out of the national park.

COUNTRYSIDE ORGANISATIONS VOW TO CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST GIANT TURBINE

Leading countryside organisations have today (Thursday 12th July 2007) vowed to continue their campaign to protect the South Downs from a giant wind turbine on Mill Plain, above Glyndebourne. This promise follows the news that Lewes District Council wants to grant permission for an industrial scale wind turbine at Glyndebourne Opera House in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Include the Western Weald in the South Downs National Park

The South Downs Society, together with the other members of the South Downs Campaign, is calling for the Western Weald to be included in the national park.

More Hot Air, Less Wind

Glyndebourne’s latest report making its case to Lewes planners for a controversial wind turbine adds nothing, say local groups (29/06/2007).

Consultants Northern Energy, acting for the opera house, have produced a new 80 page report which claims to answer some of the concerns of local residents and environmentalists. But, say opponents of the scheme, the latest report just underlines why there is so much opposition.

South Downs is recommended for National Park Status

The South Downs Campaign (SDC), of which the South Downs Society is a member, is giving a guarded welcome to the news today (25 June 2007) that the inspector in the South Downs National Park inquiry has recommended that the South Downs become England’s 10th national park.  Read more »

Lavant Quarry

Planners Urged to take Hard Line on Quarry Proposals (21 June 2007)

Environmental campaigners the South Downs Society have urged West Sussex planners to protect the Downs near Chichester from large scale quarrying.

The giant Tarmac company wants to take 2 million tonnes of sand and gravel from the 115 hectare site at Lavant, north of Chichester over 11 to 14 years. Local people have seen the site worked before and hoped they’d seen the back of quarrying.

New strategic plan for the South Downs Society

The South Downs Society has published (June 2007) its strategic plan for 2007 to 2009.  Read more »

South Downs Walk at Harting Down on 8 July

Join the actor Brian Blessed (the outgoing president of the Council for National Parks) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the recommendation that the South Downs should become a National Park.

Fun for Families on the South Downs

29 May 2007

The South Downs Society invites families to stretch their legs and explore one of the gems of the countryside on Thursday 31 May on a leisurely three mile walk at Cissbury Ring in West Sussex. 

Leading Countryside Organisations unite to fight Giant South Downs Turbine

Combined Press release issued on 14/05/2007

A giant wind turbine proposed by Glyndebourne Productions Ltd on the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is being resisted by four of the leading national and regional countryside organisations.

New Recruits to the South Downs Society

Local amenity group the South Downs Society has today (4 May 2007) welcomed the arrival of two key new recruits – both former stalwarts of East Sussex County Council.

Falmer Representations

In 2005, John Prescott decided to give permission for the building of a 22,000-seater stadium at Falmer in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Following our intervention, and that of Lewes District Council and Falmer Parish Council, the High Court quashed that decision.  Government lawyers had agreed with our argument that Mr Prescott had made an error in his decision because he had treated the site as if it was within the built-up area of Brighton.  The Secretary of State has now asked us for our further representations.

See full representation

SUPPORT FOR GIANT TURBINE FALLS AWAY

At the parish council meeting on Friday 9 February 2007, villagers of Ringmer, near Lewes in Sussex, voted overwhelmingly against the proposal to erect a 230-foot turbine on the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Read more »

GLYNDEBOURNE TURBINE: HAVE YOUR SAY

Do you have comments about the proposed Glyndebourne wind turbine at Ringmer? Have your say! (February 2007) Read more »

People are dwarfed by the 230-foot turbine

NOT A BRIGHT IDEA

Leading countryside and environment organisations have today (30 January 2007) joined with astronomers in calling on Southampton to scrap its plans for a permanent laser light show when the City Council’s Cabinet meets to decide on the project next week. Read more »

GIANT TURBINE ON SOUTH DOWNS MOVES CLOSER

The South Downs Society today (19 January 2007) called on Glyndebourne Opera to rethink its plans to build a large wind turbine on hills in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The planning application, which was submitted yesterday afternoon to Lewes District Council, proposes the building of a 70m wind turbine on the famous south downs hills near Lewes

ECONOMIC REPORT SPELLS GOOD NEWS FOR SOUTH DOWNS

The South Downs Society and the South Downs Campaign today (11 December 2006) welcomed a new report on national parks. The report indicates that a South Downs National Park, as well as securing added protection for this precious landscape, could bring more economic prosperity, particularly for rural areas where local jobs can be hard to come by.

GOVERNMENT REPORT THREATENS REGION'S OPEN SPACES

The South Downs Society today (6 December 2006) called for assurances that a new government report would not lead to the destruction of any special wildlife sites or areas of open space on and around the South Downs.

SOUTH DOWNS DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN CONSULTATION

The South Downs Society responds:

GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA HOUSE THREATENS THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUTH DOWNS

Glyndebourne Opera House wants to build a massive wind turbine on top of the Downs near Ringmer, threatening to blight the iconic South Downs landscape for miles around. 

THE FUTURE OF FARMING ON THE SOUTH DOWNS

 Following its successful Farm Conference in Chichester in January 2006, the South Downs Society has produced a full report and analysis of its findings.

PRESS RELEASE THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER

The South Downs Society is delighted that Lewes District Council has resolved to lead a High Court challenge against John Prescott's decision to give planning permission for a football stadium in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"It was a thoroughly bad decision that showed no respect for the national treasure of the South Downs" says Vice Chair Hazel McKay. "The decision would result not only in a large blot on the landscape but would also create an unfortunate precedent for future planning decisions affecting the South Downs".