Your National Park
What makes the South Downs National Park yours?
This is the question at the heart of ten films commissioned by the South Downs National Park Authority, each telling a story of someone with a special connection to the Park. We hope these ‘Champions’ will inspire you and show you that everyone can play their part, no matter how small, in protecting your National Park.
Your National Park Film Trail
To celebrate the mighty South Downs Way, the ‘golden thread’ that runs along the ridge of the National Park, we have taken all 10 films and created a digital trail, giving you the chance to rediscover this uniquely living landscape through the eyes of its champions.
Look out for the interactive plaques at different locations – the films can be accessed through QR code or Near Field Communications tags (most smartphones are NFC enabled).
Meet our champions
- Our heritage – Tony & Davinder
Davinder Dhillon (L) – Chattri Memorial Group, Tony Kalume (R) – Community activist,
“Being close to nature shows us that we’re all connected in one way or another. We want everyone to see that the South Downs National Park is for them. Whatever our background, race or religion, this is our space – our sanctuary.”
Find Tony & Davinder’s film at YHA Truleigh Hill (what3words/// latitudes.beards.lobster)
- My future – Cameron
Cameron Macdonald – Youth ambassador and volunteer ranger:
“It’s important that younger and older generations learn from one another. When I began working with other volunteer rangers, I found that we all share a common goal for conserving the National Park.”
Find Cameron’s film at YHA South Downs, Southease (what3words/// alarmed.scooters.heeding)
- My office – Lesley
Lesley Foulkes – Langham Brewery:
“The South Downs is not just countryside. It’s a living being with people working and moving in it, and we are all part of that movement.
At Langham, we like to think of ourselves as a bit of a community hub. We give back some of what the community and being in the South Downs offers to us.”
Find Lesley’s film at Cadence Cafe, Cocking (what3words///evolution.laws.husky)
- My home – Louise
Louise Bevan – Petersfield Climate Action Network
“Taking care of Petersfield and taking care of our planet is really important. It was my granddaughter, one little girl, who made me realise that.
Our network has grown because people have engaged in small ways and have seen the difference they can make.”
Find Louise’s film at Holden Farm, Hampshire (what3words///shrub.traders.debating )
- My sanctuary – Mandie
Mandie Molyneux – Artscape programme
“When I started visiting spots like Butser Hill, I felt I came alive in these places. They were a source of calm and stillness.
It struck me as so important to help take people who’re feeling isolated away from their four walls and out into nature.”
Find Mandie’s film at Old Winchester Hill (what3words///sensible.tailwind.juices)
- Our pathway – Saira and Kelly
Saira Niazi & Kelly Smith – Inclusive walk leaders:
“Walking the South Downs feels like a spiritual journey. I feel empowered by a sense of connection to the landscape and to myself.
To see people who look like you demystifies the landscape. Whether walking alone or with others, we’re able to make it our own.”
Find Saira & Kelly’s film at Seven Sisters Country Park (what3words/// circle.sedative.foal)
- My passion – Neil
Neil Hulme – Butterfly conservationist
“The Duke of Burgundy isn’t the biggest or showiest of butterflies, like the Purple Emperor with its iridescent wings. But it’s a mighty little species that’s fascinated me since childhood. The name sounded so exciting to me that I’d hoped to see it one day.”
Find Neil’s film at Seven Sisters Country Park (what3words/// bandaged.personal.eternally)
- My duty – Nina
Nina Williams – Head forester, Cowdray Park
“Working in this landscape really does feel like coming home. I always enjoy the quiet moments walking through the woods, learning about trees in a slow and deliberate way. Keeping my eyes open for how the habitat is responding to our work.”
Find Nina’s film at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (what3words/// looms.rate.stroke)
- My community – Paul
Paul Gorringe – Brighton & Hove City Parks ranger
“Whitehawk Hill and Sheepcote Valley are where I cut my teeth as a ranger and naturalist. It’s here I learned how to get people volunteering and feeling a sense of ownership.
How can you not love a place like the South Downs, especially one so connected to the city and the sea?”
Find Paul’s film at the start/end point of the South Downs Way in Eastbourne (what3words///museum.shower.saints)
- My classroom – Thomas
Thomas Moore – Headteacher, Bury CofE Primary
“We’re incredibly lucky with the amount of wildlife and nature we’ve got on our doorstep, which helps children learn in lots of different ways across school subjects.
I’m passionate about teaching them about the environment they’re a part of.”
Find Thomas’ film in Amberley, West Sussex (what3words/// acrobats.healthier.fats)