Unique experience launched to see South Downs National Park through the eyes of a Ranger
August 9, 2019
***Next dates: 31 August, 5, 6 and 7 September***
To book, head to: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/918179
An exciting day out with a Ranger will be on offer to those visiting the South Downs National Park this summer.
The new “Ranger Experience” will give people a real-life glimpse into the work of a South Downs Ranger as they step aboard a Land Rover to visit iconic sites, hear extraordinary stories and see conservation activities in action.
The pilot initiative is aimed at giving people a deeper understanding of the spectacular landscape and its incredible wildlife.
Working closely with local communities, farmers and landowners, the South Downs National Park Rangers play a pivotal role in conserving and enhancing the 1,600km2 of landscape, biodiversity, cultural heritage and the famous South Downs Way.
The day out will begin with the most breathtaking view in the National Park – the Seven Sisters cliffs – taking in the majestic scene from Seaford Head Nature Reserve. A guided tour of Seven Sisters Country Park will be followed by a visit to the pretty medieval village of West Dean.
People will be able to enjoy a picnic overlooking Deep Dean – an amazing chalk grassland valley teeming with wildlife – before carrying out a butterfly survey and learning more about the rare species in the National Park such as the Adonis Blue Butterfly.
The famous Long Man of Wilmington, “the mysterious guardian” of the South Downs, will be another highlight of the experience. People will also have the option of visiting the Long Man Brewery to see where they make award-winning beer using barley grown in the surrounding farmland.
Tim Squire, a South Downs Ranger and self-confessed wildlife addict, will be leading the tour on dates throughout August and September.
Tim said: “I feel very lucky to be a Ranger and it’s exciting to be able to show people a different side of the South Downs.
“This will be a unique experience and a chance for people to go behind the scenes into the life of a Ranger.
“The South Downs is a very special corner of the world and sometimes visitors only get to see the view, without learning the story behind it. Our Ranger Experience promises to be a memorable day where people can get immersed in the landscape and learn about the story of how it evolved, the humans who have shaped it and how we strive to protect it.”
Katharine Beer, who heads sustainable tourism in the National Park, added: “Our Rangers have an intimate knowledge of the South Downs, so this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the wildlife and habitats of the National Park from the experts!”
The South Downs Ranger Experience is part of the nationwide “The English National Park Experience Collection”, which was launched earlier this year to encourage tourism to these special landscapes.
Each experience departs at 10am from Seaford Station, East Sussex, returning to Seaford Station by 2.15pm.
Each tour has a maximum of four participants. Available dates are August 15, 16, 22, 23, 30 and 31 and September 5, 6 and 7.
Bookings have already started so we recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The cost of a Ranger Experience per person is £60.
To book and for more details visit https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/918179