Events
Below is a list of bookable events as part of the 2024 South Downs ReNature Festival.
Saturday 20 July – Be Buzzy
2pm – Benfield Wildflower Walk
Join local experts on this wonderful opportunity to explore this unique chalk grassland and learn more about its wildflowers and some of its wildlife.
Non-Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group members are welcome.
Booking essential: email eventbookings@southdowns.gov.uk to book your tickets.
2pm – Butterfly Walk at Cissbury Ring
Join Neil Hulme from the Butterfly Conservation for a serene stroll through Cissbury Ring, where nature comes alive with the vibrant colours of beautiful butterflies!
Perfect for nature lovers and butterfly enthusiasts alike.
Booking essential: book your place here.
Sunday 21 July – Be Outside
2pm – Findon Place Open Garden
Stroll around the extensive front lawns of Findon Place to soak up stunning views of the South Downs.
Enjoy home-made tea and cakes and relax in this beautiful peaceful garden.
Booking essential: book your ticket here.
Monday 22 July – Be Involved
10am – Nature and Climate Tour at Seven Sisters Country Park
Sign up for this exciting free adventure at Seven Sisters Country Park! Ranger Lawrence will guide you through the wonders of nature and share insights on climate conservation happening at this iconic country park.
Booking essential: book your place here.
12.45pm – Youth Action Day: Invasive Species and Bird Survey
Are you aged 16-25 and want to make a difference for nature and the environment?
Explore a rare heathland habitat and take part in a bird survey while discovering distinct heathland species in their habitat.
Booking essential: book your place here.
Tuesday 23 July – Be Adventurous
10am – Birds of the Iconic Seven Sisters
Join SDNPA Ranger Tim at the Seven Sisters Country Park for a fun-filled day of bird spotting.
Bask in the tranquillity of this special place while learning lots about the birds that call this park home.
Booking essential: book your place here.
8.30pm – Sunset Nature Safari
Witness the breathtaking sunset at Iping Common and be the first to greet the nocturnal wonders as they emerge at dusk.
Join SDNPA Ranger Jake Barnes for an unforgettable evening.
Booking essential: book your place here.
Wednesday 24 July – Be Observant
10am – iNaturalist Tour of the Cuckmere
Join us for an exciting free adventure at the Seven Sisters Country Park.
Ranger Laura will guide you through a tour of the INaturalist app, before heading out into the Country Park to discover the wonders of nature the Park has to offer.
Booking essential: book your place here.
8.30pm – Batty About Bats at Church Norton
Bat-detectors in hands, we’ll discover which bats call Pagham Harbour their home and even decipher a little of what they are saying as we listen in on their batty conversation!
Learn more about these intriguing nocturnal mammals with an evening stroll around Church Norton with the RSPB.
Booking essential: book a here.
Thursday 25 July – Be Curious
9am – Youth Action Day: Moth Trap and Butterfly Survey
Are you aged 16-25 and want to make a difference for nature and the environment?
Join South Downs Rangers on this exploratory heathland walk at Bramshott and Ludshott commons identifying some of our native moth and butterfly species.
Booking essential: book your place here.
6pm – The Secret Garden
Discover the magic of nature and the joy of play in this brand-new re-imagining of the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett book ‘The Secret Garden’, brought to you by The Plandits and performed at Stansted Park.
Suitable for anyone aged 6+ who loves literature and the great outdoors.
Booking essential: book tickets here.
Friday 26 July – Be Active
10am – Active for Nature Pop-Up at Alice Holt
Come chat to our SDNPA Rangers at Alice Holt to learn about our conservation work, volunteering opportunities and lots more.
No booking required.
10am – Beach Clean at Seven Sisters Country Park
Join National Park Rangers for a beach clean and litter picking blitz at the iconic Seven Sisters Country Park.
No booking required: meet at the visitor centre, all equipment provided.
8.45pm – Discover the Heaths at Night
Come for a guided walk at twilight to discover some of our special heathland species that thrive under our dark skies.
We’ll take a gentle stroll around Longmoor Inclosure, stopping regularly to spot and listen out for the iconic nightjar and other creatures that embrace the darkness on the heaths.
Booking essential: book your place here.
Saturday 27 July – Be a Champion
10am – Free Nature Fun Day at One Garden, Stanmer Park
Discover the stories of 10 National Park ‘champions’ at this celebration event, and take part in a range of walks, talks and activities designed to inspire you to play your part in helping to renature the South Downs.
Explore the beautiful surroundings of One Garden and Stanmer Park led by experts, and try your hand at activities including willow weaving, pond-dipping and mindful nature connection.
There will be something for all ages so everyone can join the celebrations!
Some activities require booking: