All posts by jefftravis

Coastal biosphere looks to expand

October 8th, 2024

The only urban biosphere in the UK, The Living Coast, is planning to increase in size to include half a million residents. The Living Coast has been a designated UNESCO Biosphere since 2014, stretching from Shoreham to Newhaven, from the South Downs to the sea. The biospheres are places of international best practice, promoting sustainable development […]

Hurrah for hedges in the South Downs!

October 8th, 2024

Almost 15 miles of hedgerow have been restored over the past three years in the western section of the National Park following a big community effort. “Hampshire Hedgerows” has drawn together landowners, farmers, young people and volunteers to help create and restore hedgerows that provide an essential refuge for wildlife. Supporting some 130 different flora […]

The life of a South Downs Ranger: “This is long but satisfying work”

October 8th, 2024

Ethan Purdy, Assistant Ranger, discusses the recent work of volunteers to help maintain the South Downs Way. Snaking its way along the very spine of the chalk, the South Downs Way is a 100-mile-long exhibition to one of the best natural galleries in the UK. Artwork by nature and toil adorn its path in vistas […]

Who were the witches of the South Downs?

October 8th, 2024

Anooshka Rawden, Cultural Heritage Lead, takes a deep dive into the history of witches in the South Downs. When we think of Halloween, alongside ghouls, ghosts and zombies, the figure of the witch comes to mind. All reflect ancient links to a time of heightened superstition, a need to remember the dead, and the turning […]

New community hub celebrates climate action across the South Downs region

October 8th, 2024

Local groups in and around the South Downs National Park are being encouraged to share climate action tips as a new “knowledge hub” is launched. The past decade has seen a huge proliferation in the number of climate action and environment groups across Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey, with volunteers starting up their own locally-based initiatives […]