The South Downs National Park is marking its 15th birthday by announcing a major upcoming consultation that will help decide future priorities.
Following decades of campaigning and public inquiries, the South Downs National Park finally came into being on 31 March, 2010 after first being mooted in the 1920s.
Fifteen years on, a great deal has been achieved for nature, climate and communities.
Yet there’s still so much more to be done to protect and enhance the landscape, as well as create opportunities for people to enjoy it, all while facing growing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water pollution and economic uncertainty.
A public consultation will run from June to August on a new draft Partnership Management Plan, which is an overarching plan setting out the goals for the National Park over the next five years. It will replace the current Partnership Management Plan.
The plan is produced by the Authority but is a shared plan for the National Park developed alongside dozens of other stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, local authorities, parish councils, environmental bodies, businesses, community groups and residents.
The draft plan going out for consultation will include goals around nature, climate, people and place. Following feedback from the public and partners, the new plan will be adopted and begin from January 2026.
Siôn McGeever, Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, pictured here said: “The South Downs is one of the most special places in the UK and it’s fantastic to mark this milestone of 15 years of being a National Park.
“Since its creation an incredible amount has been achieved by the many people and organisations who help to look after the South Downs. I want to thank each and every person who continues to do their bit to make this a wonderful place to visit, work and enjoy.
“The need for access to green space has never been more important at a time when the world is facing unprecedented climate, nature and economic crises. That means we need to be innovative, agile and forward-thinking, with an ambitious vision to take on these challenges and deliver for nature, climate, people and place.
“The beauty of this partnership plan is that everyone can play their part, no matter how big or small. This is everyone’s opportunity to shape the future of their National Park and we’d like to hear from as many people as possible.
“I’m looking forward to being able to present our draft plan to the public and partners this summer and gathering the feedback as we work together to achieve our shared vision.”
Further details on how to take part in the consultation will be released in May. For more information on the Partnership Management Plan, visit: www.southdowns.gov.uk/national-park-authority/our-work/partnership-mana…