South Downs National Park

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South Downs National Park

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The South Downs has been nationally recognised for its natural beauty and the space it offers. This is why it has been made into a National Park.

The South Downs has been nationally recognised for its natural beauty and the space it offers for people to enjoy the countryside. The twin purposes of the South Downs National Park are:

1. To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area

2. To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public

The South Downs National Park Authority is the lead organisation responsible for promoting the purposes of the National Park, working in partnership with other Local Authorities and organisations. In delivering Park purposes, the Authority has an important duty:

To seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the local communities within the National Park

01/11/2026

November! Halfway through the ’ber months. Look out for:

• Owls (especially listen for tawny owls)
• Starling murmurations at dusk
• Autumn colour in the trees
• Fungi, including colourful waxcaps

Take a moment to notice November 🍂

📸: Sam Moore

31/10/2026

Spooky goings-on have long been associated with Racton Ruin, including tales of bricks thrown from the tower and a “ghost tractor” that vanishes as it approaches.

Racton Monument is privately owned, so if you dare to visit, please stick to the public bridleway.

📸: Nathan Hill

30/10/2026

Ewe have until midnight tomorrow to get your photo competition entries in 👀

Full info here: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo-comp/

📸: Ian Cairns

29/10/2026

Heathlands hold more than just wildlife… they hold whispers of the past.

At Longmoor, some say you can still hear the ghostly tramp of Roman soldiers marching along the old road through the heath. Dare to listen this Halloween?

📸: Ron De'Ath

28/10/2026

📸 “Three Giants” by Richard Murray, the worthy winner of last year’s official South Downs Photo Competition.

Think you’ve got a winning shot? There’s still time to enter this year’s competition and be in with a chance of winning £250 for first place.

Full details: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo-comp/ 👋

27/10/2026

Fantastic to see Oak Grove College benefiting from equipment funded by the South Downs National Park Trust, alongside support from our Outdoor Travel Grant 💚

Our Discover the Downs visits are all about removing barriers and supporting wellbeing, engagement and connection with nature.

Find out more here: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/learning-and-youth-volunteering/schools-groups/ 🔗

27/10/2026

Last week we celebrated three successes at the National Park Protector Awards 👏

Taking the top spot in the “Young Changemaker of the Year” category was Robson Peisley, who became the youngest National Park Member in the country at the age of just 21.

Meanwhile, the National Park narrowly missed out on the top trophy for its ReNature Campaign, which has helped to create or restore 12,000 football pitches into nature havens and planted more than 100,000 trees over the past five years.

Another nature project, Chichester’s Halnaker Hill Farm, also made the final shortlist after renaturing 330 acres of previously intensively-farmed land into a landscape rich in flora and fauna.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees! So many inspiring stories and a bright future for our National Parks 💚

Read the full story here: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/triple-triumph-for-south-downs-national-park-at-big-awards/ 🔗

27/10/2026

The Grey Lady is Cowdray Ruins' most famous ghost. Said to haunt the remains of the Tudor house destroyed by fire in 1793, she's been spotted so often that her regular route has earned its own name: the Lady's Walk.

Have you ever seen her?

📸: Carrie Davidson

26/10/2026

The nights are drawing in, which can only mean one thing... dark skies season is upon us!

Explore our Dark Skies hub for information and inspiration: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-skies-hub/ ✨

📸: Piers Fearick

25/10/2026

💤

Now the clocks have gone back, take a little inspiration from nature and enjoy the slower pace of autumn.

Hazel dormice are true masters of rest, spending nearly three-quarters of the year asleep in one form or another!

📸: Neil Hulme

Address

South Downs Centre, North Street
Midhurst
GU299

Telephone

+441730814810

Website

http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/

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