Children join National Park Ranger for nature walk to mark big birthday
November 4, 2022
Schoolchildren turned “nature detectives” and took part in a special celebratory walk to mark the 50th anniversary of the 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.
The ramble came as a beautiful plaque was presented to the village of Buriton from the South Downs National Park Authority.
The engraving celebrates Buriton as the original starting point for the South Downs Way and will be given pride of place in the Hampshire village.
The South Downs Way became a National Trail and Britain’s first long-distance bridleway in 1972, originally running from Buriton to Eastbourne. In 1987 the National Trail was extended to Winchester.
The path along the top of the chalk ridge is thought to be well over 5,000 years old and was an important route for ancient peoples of Britain. Today it covers the length of the National Park and takes in a variety of internationally-important wildlife habitats, including chalk grassland, woodland, chalk cliffs and river valleys.
The children enjoyed learning more about the National Park as they searched for wildlife and objects in the woods, such as insects, trees and chalk geology.
Danielle Brown, Headteacher at Buriton Primary School, said: “The children were very excited to be going on guided walk by one of the rangers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South Downs Way. The children love going into the woods and being surrounded by nature and learning about the incredible wildlife that surrounds them. Such activities also help them to appreciate how important it is to protect and preserve our precious wildlife in their surroundings.”
Andrew Lee, Director of Countryside Policy and Management at the National Park Authority and who presented the plaque to the village, said: “This is a big year for the South Downs Way and it’s been wonderful to get Buriton involved in the celebrations.
“The South Downs Way really does offer something for all ages, whether it’s an interesting day-trip or a week-long trek. I hope the schoolchildren were inspired to find out more about the incredible biodiversity, heritage and walks right on their doorstep.”
Doug Jones, Chair of Buriton Parish Council, said: “The community really values its association with the South Downs Way. We meet visitors from all over the world who are enjoying this wonderful area – and they help to support our local pubs which are both happy to look after walkers and cyclists using the long-distance trail.”
There is a dedicated team at the South Downs National Park Authority looking after the South Downs Way day to day. This team is funded and guided by the South Downs Way Trail Partnership made up of the South Downs National Park Authority, Natural England, Hampshire County Council, West Sussex County Council and East Sussex County Council.
For more information about the South Downs Way and to plan your visit see https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/south-downs-way/
