South Downs Seminar hails the benefits of a National Park
12 January 2001
The many benefits that National Park status would bring to the South Downs came to light at a special seminar organised by the Countryside Agency in Chichester on 10 and 11 January (1). Delegates heard from a number of experts on the issues affecting the South Downs and how these could be addressed through the designation of a National Park.
Robin Crane, Chairman of the South Downs Campaign Group (2), said: "It was an excellent conference. The Countryside Agency has done a good job in getting all those interested in securing the best future for the South Downs together at a very early stage. We very much welcome the outcomes of the Seminar, which include recognition of the very great development pressure the South Downs is under and the need for its strongest possible protection".
"Delegates recognised that there were many challenging issues facing the Downs, which include conservation, land management, traffic and transport, planning, recreation and farming. Fifteen different authorities with different priorities cannot possibly address these pressures and needs. Our shared objectives can only be achieved through strong leadership channelled through an over-arching independent National Park Authority with the resources, power and exclusive interest in the conservation and enhancement of the South Downs" (3).
"We are very encouraged by the refined area of search for the National Park boundary which has been prepared by a team of consultants. While this does not yet have any official status, it looks set to provide a strong basis for a National Park boundary that is based on a sound assessment of landscape character, recreational potential and the special characteristics of the South Downs" (4).
Contact: Robin Crane 01730 812 935
Ruth Chambers 020 7924 4077
Notes to editors
1 In April 2000 the Countryside Agency - the statutory agency responsible for designating new National Parks - unanimously agreed to start the process of designating a South Downs National Park. A long period of research and consultation is currently in progress. The official consultation on administrative arrangements including planning will start in autumn 2001.
2 The South Downs Campaign was formed in 1990. Its principal members are: Council for National Parks, CPRE (National, Hampshire and Sussex Branches), Friends of the Earth, Ramblers’ Association (National, Hampshire and Sussex Areas), The Wildlife Trusts, Youth Hostels Association, WWF-UK, Open Spaces Society, Society of Sussex Downsmen, Sussex Archaeological Society, Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Wildlife Trusts. The Campaign is supported by numerous other national and local organisations.
3 The South Downs have been far more in need of protection than most upland National Parks. They have been subjected to unrelenting development pressure. For example major road schemes at Brighton and Twyford Down have cut ugly swathes through downland. Worryingly 40% of planning applications objected to by the Sussex Downs Conservation Board (the voluntary body co-ordinating the conservation of the Sussex Downs AONB) over the last year were either granted or unsatisfactorily amended. It is clear that the current arrangements are not strong enough to protect the Downs.
4 The South Downs which run from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east and the adjoining land stretching north to the lowland heaths on the greensands provide some of the finest landscapes in Britain. The distinctive beauty and high recreational value of the South Downs was recognised by Sir Arthur Hobhouse in his report in 1947 when he identified them as being one of the twelve areas of National Park quality in England and Wales. They were the only downland area to be nominated and they remain the only area in Hobhouse’s list yet to be given National Park status. Even so, the South Downs today receives substantially more visits from people per annum than any National Park in the United Kingdom.
For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222