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Research proves that South Downs cyclists, horse riders and walkers are all just people



Research proves that South Downs cyclists, horse riders and walkers are all just people

April 18, 2016

New research carried out on the human ecosystem of England’s newest national park proves decisively that walkers, cyclists and horse riders in the South Downs are really just all people.

Using the latest scientific techniques cyclists were tested for their ability to walk unaided, while hikers were placed on horseback and horse riders persuaded to exchange their stirrups for pedal-power. Some individuals, tagged by South Downs rangers, were even found to cross between the three ‘tribes’ of their own accord.

New research carried out on the human ecosystem of Englandâs newest national park proves decisively that walkers, cyclists and horse riders in the South Downs are really just all people. Using the latest scientific techniques cyclists were tested for their ability to walk unaided, while hikers were placed on horseback and horse riders persuaded to exchange their stirrups for pedal-power. Some individuals, tagged by South Downs rangers, were even found to cross between the three âtribesâ of their own accord. Adam Brown, Research Officer at the South Downs National Park Authority, said: âThe South Downs is a pretty friendly ecosystem to be honest â for example every year more than 20,000 cyclists, horse riders and walkers happily roam the South Downs Way with no trouble at all. But until now a minority have maintained that these âtribesâ were entirely different species. âOur first clue was that all three groups share the same feeding behaviour â gathering at popular watering holes rich in local ales and produce. The more time we spent in their company we noticed that they also communicate with similar vocalisations. And who doesnât love watching a cyclist hold a gate open for a horse rider whilst hearing the first âlovely day!â or âthank you!â of spring?â

Adam Brown, Research Officer at the South Downs National Park Authority, said:

“The South Downs is a pretty friendly ecosystem to be honest – for example every year more than 20,000 cyclists, horse riders and walkers happily roam the South Downs Way with no trouble at all. But until now a minority have maintained that these ‘tribes’ were entirely different species.

“Our first clue was that all three groups share the same feeding behaviour – gathering at popular watering holes rich in local ales and produce. The more time we spent in their company we noticed that they also communicate with similar vocalisations. And who doesn’t love watching a cyclist hold a gate open for a horse rider whilst hearing the first ‘lovely day!’ or ‘thank you!’ of spring?”