This is a small selection of issues on which we are currently campaigning. You can read more about issues affecting the South Downs and other articles of interest by visiting our Publications page.
The South Downs Society has today (7 February 2012) announced a huge surge in support for the South Downs from people living in Emsworth, Petersfield, Liss and other parts of East Hampshire. In just a few months, the Society has been inundated with new members. It has launched a special programme of walks to meet the demand from residents wishing to explore the National Park.
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“Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a serenade of local and historic love songs from the South Downs. The South Downs Society is running a free workshop on 11 February 2012 in Brighton to breathe life into these wonderful but almost-forgotten gems from our history.”
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The Society has responded (November 2011) to a planning application north of Polegate for five wind turbines with a tower height of 80 metres and a maximum height of 126 metres. Intended output is between 10 and 12.5 MW, claimed to be equivalent to the energy needs of 5,590 to 6,900 homes. This compares with an original, pre-consultation proposal for six turbines with a max height of 140 metres. (For comparison purposes, permission for the Glyndebourne turbine recently erected was for a tower height of 44 metres and a max height of 70, with an output of 850 kw).
The Society gives in principle support to proposals for sensitively located and scaled renewable energy infrastructure, including wind energy, though we take note of the ongoing debate concerning the efficacy of wind energy and the likelihood of it making a serious contribution to carbon reduction. We noted the claimed limited impact on local householders and such matters as biodiversity, cultural heritage and noise.
Read more »Environmental groups and many local residents were yesterday (14 November 2011) shaken by a decision of the South Downs National Park Planning Committee to permit the construction of over 400 dwellings near Midhurst in the heart of the downs.
In July the Committee had turned down three applications from the same developer, the City and Country Group, to convert the old King Edward VII Hospital into houses and assisted care accommodation, and “Friends of the National Park”, the South Downs Society, along with other local groups, expected the Park planners to do the same thing with two further proposals today.
Read more »Local environmental group the South Downs Society today (9 November 2011) called on the National Park’s Planning Committee to reject the views of its officers and throw out a proposal to provide over 400 dwellings at the site of a former sanatorium near Midhurst, in the quiet and unspoilt heart of the South Downs National Park.
The Committee will consider the planning application, at the old King Edward VII hospital site, next Monday and the Society hopes to be allowed to express its strong concerns at the meeting. The Society, known as the Friends of the National Park, has objected consistently to a series of applications on the site and intends to continue the fight.
Read more »The South Downs Songs Project, which is being run by the South Downs Society, will over the next two years offer hundreds of people living in or near the South Downs an opportunity to learn some of these wonderful songs and thereby reconnect with a lost culture. There will be songs of love, working life, celebration, war and humour to learn and celebrate. These were always the songs of ordinary people, not professional singers. This project intends to maintain that inclusive ideal.
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The South Downs Society, other concerned environmental groups and angry Ringmer residents watched sadly today (11 October 2011) as “Glyndebourne's Folly” was delivered to the site. It will at last take shape on Mill Plain above the village over the next week. After a lengthy public inquiry in 2008, a government appointed planning inspector recommended in favour of the industrial scale wind turbine in the face of strong opposition, and any remaining hopes that the opera house might bow to local concerns have now disappeared.
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Government has published some highly controversial proposals for changing the planning system and the Society has responded vigorously, see below. The consultation document can be seen at
here
If you share our concerns -- and we hope you do -- you have until Monday 17 October to comment. You can do this online or by email to PlanningFramework@communities.gsi.gov.uk.
These are the comments of the South Downs Society. (October 2011) The Society has well in excess of 2,000 members. Our core business for nearly a century has been campaigning and fundraising for the conservation and enhancement of the landscape of the South Downs National Park and its quiet enjoyment. We are the national park society for the South Downs and our comments will reflect this focus.
We respond frequently to consultations on planning issues impacting on the national park, at national, regional and local level. We contribute regularly to work on local development frameworks and comment on large numbers of planning applications each year – on sites within, or close to, the national park. Our active membership includes a substantial number of experienced town planners, practising and retired, from all sectors and of people who have engaged with the planning process as applicants, objectors or stakeholders.
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Local environmental campaign group, the South Downs Society, has joined a chorus of opposition to the government’s intended changes to the planning system.
The Society – unofficial “Friends” organisation for the new South Downs National Park – fears that weakening the constraints on new development could lead to acres of new housing across attractive countryside in Sussex and Hampshire.
Says Society Planning Officer Steve Ankers, “the existing planning system has served the country well. It can always be improved but why throw out the baby with the bathwater? Government is now saying that new house building should only be refused in special circumstances and council planners should no longer be carefully balancing the economic, social and environmental issues in each case. And under the new proposals local communities will have less opportunity to have their say.”
Over 100 people joined the South Downs Society for its 2011 Green Travel Walks Week from 17 to 24 September 2011. The Week celebrated the wonderful South Downs National Park and how to enjoy it sustainably, using buses and trains.
The Society is grateful for the support of many people who joined us during the week, including Barbara Holyome from the South Downs National Park Authority, Tim Loughton (MP for East Worthing & Shoreham), Damian Hinds (MP for East Hampshire) and Nick Herbert (MP for Arundel and South Downs). Messages of support were sent by many others.
Environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, today (26 August 2011) gave a cautious welcome to the government’s new Biodiversity Strategy for England which pledges a step change in the protection and enhancement of England’s most precious wildlife, but which seems to contradict government thinking on economic growth.
Read more »The South Downs Society – the National Park Society for the South Downs – is holding its Green Travel Walks Week from 17 to 24 September 2011. Fifteen free walks are on offer, taking in some of the most secret spots in the National Park. All walks are accessible by bus and train so there’s no need to battle with the traffic on the way. Leave the car behind and have a fun-packed day out with the South Downs Society. Read more »
Environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, today (26 August 2011) gave a cautious welcome to the government’s new Biodiversity Strategy for England which pledges a step change in the protection and enhancement of England’s most precious wildlife, but which seems to contradict government thinking on economic growth.The South Downs Society today launched a new project to bring back to life the historic songs of the South Downs, and to teach them to a new generation. The project, which has been made possible thanks to a grant of £49,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will see hundreds of people across the South Downs area learning these beautiful, rousing and joyful songs. Read more »
The South Downs Society today launched a new project to bring back to life the historic songs of the South Downs, and to teach them to a new generation. The project, which has been made possible thanks to a grant of £49,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will see hundreds of people across the South Downs area learning these beautiful, rousing and joyful songs. Read more »
Was Jerusalem - the environmentalists’ anthem, popular choice for a National Anthem of England, one of the mainstays of the Last Night of the Proms, and the hymn of the suffragettes and the Women’s Institute - partly inspired by the South Downs? South Downs Society member and District Officer, Mairi Rennie, finds out. Read more »
Environmental campaigners have today (9 August 2011) backed plans for high level protection of the South Downs National Park while supporting proposals for modest development. The South Downs Society – the “Friends” group for the park – has responded to plans drawn up by Winchester City Council and the National Park Authority by emphasising the importance of protecting and improving the landscape but also securing the future of towns and villages in and around the park. Read more »
Environmental campaign group, the South Downs Society -- unofficial “Friends of the South Downs National Park” – have today (8 August 2011) welcomed the way the Park’s new Planning Committee has set about its business. Read more »
Environmentalists are today (14 July 2011) celebrating an early victory for the new South Downs National Park. Read more »
At its meeting today (11 July 2011) the NPA Planning Committee refused planning permission for the restoration of the former, listed sanitorium and its conversion to assisted living units, together with the development of over 200 new dwellings. Saving, and finding a viable new use for, the empty hospital buildings and restoring the fine gardens is highly desirable but the Society believes the amount of new construction is excessive. We joined local residents and other groups in opposing the scheme, and expect to renew battle at a future public inquiry.
Angry Midhurst locals, National Park visitors, South Downs Society members, and path-lovers gathered today (8 July 2011) at Whiphill in Midhurst to vent their frustration about the destruction of a well-loved path. They walked the route of what remains of the long-established path, inspected the barricades around the spoil heap blocking the path, and then continued their walk on June Lane, the only alternative route now available into Midhurst. June Lane is narrow, has no pavements and carries fast traffic. The local police accompanied the walkers to help keep them safe. Read more »
Environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, today (30 June 2011) called on the South Downs National Park Authority to “do the right thing” and reject a proposal for a large new housing estate at the former King Edward VII hospital near Midhurst. Read more »
On Friday 8 July 2011, the public will gather to demonstrate their frustration at the closure of the popular Whiphill footpath in Midhurst. The path, which had been open for as long as anyone can remember, was barricaded by West Sussex County Council in October and no-one has been able to use it since. Read more »
The South Downs Society has today (20 June 2011) launched a new campaign which will see activities in the Hampshire part of the South Downs double. The campaign of action has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust, the charity linked to Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.
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Today (7 June 2011) saw a key stage in the long-running saga of the future flood management in the estuary. A "stakeholder" consultation event that drew 130 people to Alfriston memorial hall emphasised to decision-makers that they valued the meanders, public access throughout the estuary and the protection of the A259 and the coastguard cottages and other properties. Representatives of East Sussex County Council, the Environment Agency, the National Trust, the National Park Authority and other bodies felt able to identify, from the range of views expressed, a consensus based on basic maintenance of the status quo in the short term with a view to a more radical solution working with nature in the longer term. There are moves to set up a new Friends of the Cuckmere group to represent local interests and residents and work with the statutory agencies and major landowners.
The South Downs Society has today (3 June 2011) reacted with alarm at the news that a vast area of the South Downs National Park, including the market towns of Petersfield, Midhurst and Petworth, may lose all weekend and evening bus services if Hampshire and West Sussex County Councils withdraw the subsidies they at present provide to support these routes. This would not only maroon those without their own transport who live in the National Park but would also create a 'no go' zone for those from outside the Park who live in crowded towns but who have no transport of their own and who have to rely on buses to visit its countryside, historic towns and villages. Read more »
The South Downs Society has today (24 May 2011) strongly criticized West Sussex County Council for closing the well-loved Whiphill Footpath in Midhurst and for bringing discussions for an alternative route to a standstill. Read more »
Campaigners are celebrating today (20 May 2011) following the scuppering of a proposal to build 500 houses on green fields beside the South Downs National Park near Polegate. Environmental organizations - which had campaigned vigorously against the development - applauded the decision, announced> this week by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State, to block the housing estate." Read more »
On Friday 1 April, campaigners from the South Downs Society will gather on the Seven Sisters to mark two important events in the history of the South Downs. The first is the coming into full operation of the South Downs National Park Authority, which on 1 April takes on its important planning and access duties. The second is the 85th anniversary of the South Downs Society’s landmark campaign to stop the building of a new town on the Seven Sisters. The Society will also be celebrating the day at a special event in Petersfield organized by Petersfield Tomorrow. Read more »
The Society has campaigned against a planning application by the Barlavington Estate to extract 1.5 million tonnes of sand over 20 years. Having grappled with the application for over a year, West Sussex County Council decided it no longer had time to determine the application before the National Park Authority was due to assume responsibility on 1 April. It is to be hoped that the NPA will adopt a robust approach to such threats to the park - and we are already in touch with them about this one. (30 March 2011)
“Never have the immortal words of Bernard Cribbins been more appropriate” says South Downs Society Planning Officer Steve Ankers in commenting on Hampshire’s new waste and mineral strategy (30 March 2011).
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Environmental pressure group the South Downs Society has today (21 February 2011) declared its opposition to a major new housing development in the national park south of Upper Beeding.
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Environmental group the South Downs Society has today (21 February 2011) welcomed as a victory for common sense the announcement by West Sussex County Council that they would not be making a decision on a controversial planning application for sand quarrying in the South Downs National Park. Read more »
From 22 January walking between the Ouse Valley villages of Southease and Rodmell will become much safer with the opening of a new footpath. Residents and visitors alike will no longer need to risk life and limb alongside the busy Lewes to Newhaven road as they can now walk the pathway across the fields between the two villages. The path was the brainchild of Southease Parish Meeting, and the signposts and gates were funded by the South Downs Society and other supporters. Read more »
The South Downs Society has today (2 November 2010) responded with dismay to the decision by the Planning Committee of West Sussex County Council to approve the design for the proposed new Midhurst Academy. Read more »
David Dimbleby, Vice President of the South Downs Society, today (25 October 2010) launched the Society’s National Park public consultation exercise. Read more »
The Campaign for National Parks, the South Downs Society, and others have today (18 October 2010) warned of the likely impacts of cutting the budgets of the National Parks, as Ministers decide the final figures for next week’s announcement on the spending review. The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) has joined forces with the National Park Societies in England to send a stark message to the government that cutting National Park budgets will have far-reaching consequences. Read more »
In the autumn 2010 edition of The Downsman, we published an interview with Margaret Paren, the Chair of the National Park Authority. Read on for the full interview with Margaret, and with the Chairman of the Planning Committee - Andrew Shaxson - and other NPA members. Read more »
The South Downs National Park Authority has today (11 October 2010) joined with a number of leading organisations across the South Downs to launch a new series of Autumn walks and talks celebrating the natural beauty, wildlife, heritage and people of the South Downs National Park. Read more »
The South Downs Society today (29 September 2010) proclaimed its Green Travel – Walks & Strolls Week a resounding success, and regretted the National Park Authority's announcement to base its HQ in a town without a railway station. Read more »
Hampshire County Council’s new Transport Plan for 2011 to 2026 should go back to the drawing board, according to environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, in today’s (17 September 2010) response to the Council. Read more »
The South Downs Society today (Friday 3rd September 2010) announced it is staging a week of Walks and Strolls in the UK's newest National Park from 18th to 25th September all accessible by public transport. Among the treats on offer are windmills, open top buses, tea rooms, a giant made from chalk, medieval buildings, birds and butterflies, and all without the need to get behind the wheel of a car. Read more »
On Saturday 28 August 2010 the South Downs Society is hosting a walk retracing a route much loved by Flora Thompson, author of the Lark Rise trilogy. Members of the public are invited to join Society Walks Leader, Robert Self at Liphook Railway Station in time for an 1100 a.m. start. Walking across both heath and farmland the 6½ mile stroll takes in Weavers Down, Chapel and Wheatsheaf Commons finishing around 2 p.m. Read more »
Local environmental group, the South Downs Society, today (8 June 2010) gave the grassroots’ view on some of the most important early issues facing the National Park Authority. It recommends the Authority employs its own rangers as well as ecology and other experts to protect the South Downs into the future and to ensure the public get the most from the UK’s newest National Park. They are also calling for a lot of the workload on planning to be delegated back to the local authorities. Read more »
The Ramblers in Sussex have published a new guide to help people explore the countryside from a wheelchair or mobility buggy or with prams or pushchairs. The walks are also suitable for people who are less fit or agile than they would like to be. (April 2010)
Read more »Campaign group the South Downs Society has today (25 May 2010) called on West Sussex County Council to reject a bid to take 1.5 million tonnes of sand from a new site near Fittleworth in the South Downs National Park over a 20 year period. Read more »
Today (1 May 2010), Society stalwart and experienced campaigner, Robert Cheesman, has been elected Chairman of the South Downs Society. He will be leading the Society during the crucial period when the National Park Authority is set up. Read more »
The South Downs Society today (16 April 2010) welcomed the creation of the new National Park Authority, and acknowledged the Authority faces many challenges. Read more »
The South Downs Society has responded to the National Park Authority’s consultations on the Park’s special features and where the Authority’s offices should be and what they should be like. Read more »
In the winter 2010 issue of our member magazine, The Downsman, we interviewed Nick Herbert, Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs and Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Now, in April 2010, with the General Election just weeks away, candidates from across the South Downs tell us what they and their parties think about issues affecting the South Downs National Park.
Read more »The South Downs Society today (5 April 2010) called on the government to consider the wireless alternative to fibre optic cable as a solution for fast broadband access in rural areas like the South Downs, and further afield. Read more »
Just after midnight on 31 March 2010, the South Downs National Park came into being, and the South Downs at last received the protection it deserves. Read more »
A new alliance between major environmental groups has led to the creation of the South Downs Network, which will fight long term for the best possible South Downs National Park. The groups, all long standing supporters of the hugely successful South Downs Campaign, want to ensure that environmental matters are given high priority in the work of the new National Park Authority which will come into being this April. (9 February 2010) Read more »
Countryside organizations have today (1 February 2010) reacted angrily to the news that West Sussex County Council has ignored pleas from the public, environmental organizations and even its own environment committee about public paths in the South Downs National Park. The County Council has announced it will definitely take back the maintenance of rights of way and countryside sites in the West Sussex National Park area. At a stroke, this will end eighteen years of very successful integrated path work throughout Sussex and jeopardises the goodwill of hundreds of volunteers. Read more »
Countryside organizations have today (20 January 2010) welcomed the recommendation that West Sussex County Council should reconsider its position on rights of way in the South Downs National Park. The recommendation was made by the County Council’s environment committee which said they felt the South Downs Society, the Access Forum, parish councils and other county councils should be consulted before a final decision was made. Read more »
From the pages of the January 2010 Downsman - An Interview with Nick Herbert MP
Nick Herbert is the MP for Arundel and South Downs. He tells John Songhurst and Jacquetta Fewster how proud he is to be the MP, and how his heart lifts every time he travels down from London.
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The South Downs Society today (12 January 2010) praised the Councillors who have stepped in to question the County Council’s controversial position on public paths in the South Downs. Read more »
Environmental group the South Downs Society today (4 January 2010) called on West Sussex County Council to reverse its decision to prevent the new South Downs National Park Authority from looking after footpaths in the Park. Read more »
The conservation charity, the South Downs Society, today (8 December 2009) announced the answer to this year’s Christmas gift problems. A gift membership to the South Downs Society is the perfect present for anyone who loves the stunning area stretching between Eastbourne and Winchester, confirmed last month as Britain’s newest National Park. Read more »
Following the release of new data, national and regional environmental groups have today (20 November 2009) called on the world-famous Glyndebourne Opera House to abandon their plan to build a giant wind turbine in the South Downs National Park. Read more »
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State, today (12 November 2009) joined members of the South Downs Society and other members of the South Downs Campaign to celebrate the confirmation of the South Downs as a National Park. The celebrations took place in Ditchling, one of the beautiful villages which is now in the National Park. Read more »
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Local environmental group the South Downs Society has today (11 November 2009) welcomed the announcement by Worthing Council that it is reviewing its decision to sell off land it owns around the famous Cissbury Ring archaeological site. Read more »
Mount Carvey near Cissbury (c) Trevor Hodgson of SCSO
The South Downs Society today (28 October 2009 launched its campaign to tackle the lamentable provision of broadband internet in the South Downs and has called on Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of British Telecom, to take immediate action. Read more »
Broadcaster, adventurer and President of the Campaign for National Parks, Ben Fogle today (17 October 2009) walked with two hundred people to celebrate the South Downs becoming a National Park. Read more »
Environmental campaign group, the South Downs Society, today (13th October 2009) called for the South East Arts Panel to reject a bid from an arts group to construct a huge new earthwork on the top of the Downs near Brighton. Read more »
Broadcaster, adventurer and President of the Campaign for National Parks, Ben Fogle, today (6 October 2009) invited the public to join him for a walk on Saturday 17 October at Amberley, in the heart of the new National Park. Read more »
Local green campaigners are today (22 September 2009) allowing themselves a cautious celebration at news that construction giant Tarmac have decided not to press on with a planning application for a huge new sand quarry near the villages of Kingsley and Oakhanger in East Hampshire.
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The South Downs Society today (14 September 2009) announced two events it is staging to celebrate international Car Free Day. Every 22 September, people from around the world gather for walking and cycling car-free events.
Read more »The South Downs Society today (18 August 2009) announced it is staging a week of Walks and Strolls from 29 August to 5 September to encourage travel to the start of walks by public transport. Read more »
Environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, has today (4 August 2009) called on construction giant Tarmac to respect the recent government decision to confirm the boundary for the South Downs National Park and give up on its efforts to open up a major sand working in the north west of the Park near Bordon in Hampshire.
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Local people in East Meon were rejoicing at the news, which reached them over the weekend (of 2 August 2009), that the company proposing to put two 400-foot wind turbines on the Downs at HMS Mercury had decided not to go ahead. There was much jubilation in the village, where people had been determined to fight the plan. According to East Meon Parish Council, Volkswind, the company concerned, are understood to have dropped the proposal in the light of the high level of public opposition they had encountered and a statement by Energy Minister Ed Miliband that wind farms should not be built in National Parks and AONBs. Read more »
Countryside campaign group the South Downs Society today (16 July 2009) responded to the Government announcement that a handful of possible new Eco-towns were likely to go ahead, following rounds of consultation. John Healey, the Housing Minister, today announced that four sites would go through to the next planning stage, including Whitehill-Bordon on the boundary of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, but Ford in Sussex would not be progressed. Read more »
Are you fond of the Downs? Familiar with Alfriston, the Cuckmere valley, the Seven Sisters, Beachy Head? Would you like to help protect them? ( 25 June 2009)
Read more »The South Downs Society today (12 May 2009) called on the German wind-turbine company, Volkswind, to scrap plans to build two massive wind turbines on the picturesque Salt Hill and Wether Down hilltops in the heart of the South Downs National Park area. At 415 feet in height, the turbines would be more than twice as high as Nelson’s column, and would be as tall as a 40-storey sky-scraper. The structures would dwarf the small wind turbines that have been erected in other national parks in the UK. Read more »
The broadcaster David Dimbleby, and countryside campaigner, Len Clark, became Vice-Presidents of the conservation group, the South Downs Society at its AGM in Petersfield on Saturday (9 May 2009). The two great champions of the South Downs were elected unanimously at the Society’s AGM in Petersfield. Read more »
The South Downs Society today (7 April 2009) launched a Festival of Walks to celebrate the coming of the South Downs a National Park. Read more »
It has been more than 60 years in the making but today (31 March 2009) sees the South Downs become England’s 10th and the United Kingdom’s 15th National Park. Read more »
Bill Bryson, author and President of CPRE, today (18 March 2009) presented a giant postcard to the Government on behalf of the South Downs Campaign, a network of over 150 organisations pressing for a South Downs National Park. The postcard is one of 18,500 sent to Government calling on it to confirm the widest possible boundary. The postcard was also signed by Ben Fogle, Brian Blessed, Campaign for National Park President and Vice President respectively, Floella Benjamin OBE, Ramblers’ President and David Dimbleby. Read more »
After more than ten years’ hard work, it is vital that the renowned landscapes of the South Downs, their communities and the nation really benefit from National Park status as soon as possible. Read more »
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Blackdown, credit Natural England/Anne Purkiss
Long-established environmental group, the South Downs Society, has today (4 March 2009) warned that a possible new Eco-town at Ford near Arundel will cause damage to the Downs and adjoining areas. Read more »
Environmental pressure group the South Downs Society has today (17 December 2008) called on the government's Environment Agency to adopt a positive approach to managing flood risk in the iconic beauty spot, the Cuckmere Meanders.
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Environmental group, the South Downs Society, has today (8 December 2008) reminded Brighton and Hove Council of its opposition in principle to the proposed football stadium at Falmer but recognises that the government overruled planning inspectors to grant permission. The Society has looked closely at the Albion's revised plans, now with the Council for decision, and given some aspects a cautious nod.
Green pressure group, the South Downs Society, has responded positively to a government consultation on renewable energy. Read more »
Back by popular demand! The South Downs Society has re-introduced their Christmas Cards depicting beautiful snowy scenes of the Downs. Read more »
The South Downs Society is holding two special taster walks in the Western Weald in November. The walks are part of a programme of over 300 walks and strolls that are organized every year by the conservation charity the South Downs Society.
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Black Down, (c) Natural England/Anne Purkiss
Environmental pressure group, the South Downs Society, today (17 November 2008) urged Wealden Council to reject plans for 500 houses at Polegate. Read more »
Today (13 November 2008) the conservation charity, the South Downs Society, held a special event to celebrate five of the most important conservation and education projects in the South Downs in 2008. All the projects have been supported by grants from the South Downs Society Fund.
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Unwanted Christmas gifts are a thing of the past! Purchase a gift that will bring hours, days, indeed years of pleasure. For the first time in its history, The South Downs Society is offering Gift Membership Subscriptions starting at just �15 a year.
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The conservation charity, the South Downs Society, and train operator, Southern, today (10 November 2008) announced they are teaming up to enable thousands of youngsters to enjoy the South Downs area of outstanding natural beauty.
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Green pressure group, the South Downs Society, has today (27 October) given a mixed welcome to government's proposed changes to the South East Plan which will guide development across the region till 2026.
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The Society has responded to government's recent consultation on a national strategy for renewable green energy. Read more »
The South Downs Society has launched a great new project which will enable hundreds of youngsters to enjoy the beautiful South Downs. The Society has published walks especially designed for children and young people, and to make it as easy as possible, the train company, Southern, has generously agreed to give free off-peak train travel to all those attending the walk, including adults accompanying the youth group.
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The South Downs Society has today (15 September 2008) vowed to oppose plans to change the huge new Brighton & Hove Albion Football Stadium. Read more »
National and regional environmental groups have today (11 July 2008) criticized the government's decision to grant permission for a giant wind turbine at Glyndebourne in the South Downs. The turbine will be the first industrial-scale turbine ever to be built in a designated national park. Read more »
A local conservation body, the South Downs Society, today (23 June 2008)announced that they are making grants available to turn the most innovative and exciting ideas into reality. The total amount of money available is a whopping �25,000. Read more »
A new government report, released on 11 June 2008, on electricity generation and transmission has recommended new power lines are considered for the South Downs. The power lines would connect the new power station at Dungeness, proposed as part of the prime minister's new wave of nuclear generators, to homes and businesses throughout London and the South East.
Environmental pressure group the South Downs Society hit out at today's decision (13 May 2008) by West Sussex County Council to approve an application by Northern Petroleum to prospect for oil in a beautiful part of the Downs near the border between Sussex and Hampshire. Read more »
The South Downs Society has today (31 March 2008) welcomed a long-awaited decision on the route of the famous South Downs Way across the picturesque Meon Valley in Hampshire. Read more »
A mass of detailed evidence to support the inclusion of the Western Weald in the South Downs National Park has been researched, written, printed and collated for delivery today (17 March 2008) to the Inspector of the South Downs National Park inquiry.
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Building a huge wind turbine on the South Downs could undermine its tranquillity, one of the most important qualities sought by the public when visiting the countryside. This is the concern of campaigners, united in opposition to Glyndebourne Opera's proposal to construct an industrial scale turbine within the designated South Downs National Park. (5 March 2008) Read more »
The beauty of the South Downs is being defended against a giant wind turbine proposed by the Glyndebourne Opera House. A coalition of leading countryside organisations will make their case at a planning inquiry starting on 26 February in Lewes, East Sussex.
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An Environmental Protection Consortium which links up green groups will be challenging plans for a giant wind turbine on the South Downs near Glyndebourne when a Planning Inquiry opens in Lewes on Tuesday 26th February 2008.
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The Environment Agency believes that a continuation of the engineering approach to managing flood risk in the estuary is no longer sustainable, either financially or environmentally, and that the effect of rising sea levels and climate change on time-expired river banks means that things cannot remain the same. Either the defences will have to be raised over and over again to the detriment of local views and wildlife, and with potentially disastrous implications if they should ever fail, or a more radical approach needs to be adopted, allowing the river to return to its former meandering course, with the river floodplain fulfilling its role of accommodating flood waters. (26 October 2007.)
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The South Downs Society gave a welcome to today's news (25 October 2007) that the inquiry into the South Downs National Park will be reopened. Read more »
On Saturday 8 September over three hundred people signed a petition calling for Midhurst, Petworth and the rest of the western Weald to be included within the boundary of the South Downs National Park. Read more »
Local amenity group the South Downs Society has today (28th August 2007) welcomed the decision of East Hampshire District Council to reject plans for a factory and enterprise units at The Causeway, Petersfield.
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8th August - 30th September 2007
The South Downs Society has partnered Arundel Museum Society in the launch of an exhibition of paintings, 'Up the Downs' which includes lino-cuts by the late Robert Tavener of the South Downs, plus photographs, oils and watercolours by seven other Sussex artists.
The exhibition was opened on Wednesday 8th August 2007 by John Songhurst, Chairman of the South Downs Society. John introduced the work of the South Downs Society, highlighting the current campaigns and proposed developments which will intrude upon the beauty of the South Downs, a beauty so creatively captured in the works of the exhibiting artists.
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Leading countryside organizations have today (Tuesday 21st August 2007) welcomed the government's decision to call-in the application for a 230-foot wind turbine at Glyndebourne on the South Downs, in a location which forms part of the designated national park.
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The South Downs Society today (15 August 2007) announced that it will not further challenge the government's decision to allow the 22,000-seater stadium to be built in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Falmer.
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Longstanding amenity group, the South Downs Society, has today (13 August 2007) called on the Government to go along with its own environmental advisors in setting up a South Downs National Park with wide boundaries.
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The South Downs Society today (24 July 2007) reacted with incredulity at the decision by Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to allow the building of a 22,000-seater sports stadium in the South Downs.
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Vanessa Baber, Headteacher of Twineham CE Primary School, today (19 July 2007) publicly thanked the South Downs Society for making it possible for children from the school to enjoy an educational visit to the stunning South Downs.
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On Saturday 21 July 2007, campaigners from the South Downs Society will take to the streets of Midhurst because of the threat to cut the Western Weald out of the national park.
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Leading countryside organisations have today (Thursday 12th July 2007) vowed to continue their campaign to protect the South Downs from a giant wind turbine on Mill Plain, above Glyndebourne. This promise follows the news that Lewes District Council wants to grant permission for an industrial scale wind turbine at Glyndebourne Opera House in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
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The South Downs Society, together with the other members of the South Downs Campaign, is calling for the Western Weald to be included in the national park.
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Glyndebourne's latest report making its case to Lewes planners for a controversial wind turbine adds nothing, say local groups (29/06/2007).
Consultants Northern Energy, acting for the opera house, have produced a new 80 page report which claims to answer some of the concerns of local residents and environmentalists. But, say opponents of the scheme, the latest report just underlines why there is so much opposition.
The South Downs Campaign (SDC), of which the South Downs Society is a member, is giving a guarded welcome to the news today (25 June 2007) that the inspector in the South Downs National Park inquiry has recommended that the South Downs become England's 10th national park. Read more »
Planners Urged to take Hard Line on Quarry Proposals (21 June 2007)
Environmental campaigners the South Downs Society have urged West Sussex planners to protect the Downs near Chichester from large scale quarrying.
The giant Tarmac company wants to take 2 million tonnes of sand and gravel from the 115 hectare site at Lavant, north of Chichester over 11 to 14 years. Local people have seen the site worked before and hoped they'd seen the back of quarrying.
The South Downs Society has published (June 2007) its strategic plan for 2007 to 2009. Read more »
Join the actor Brian Blessed (the outgoing president of the Council for National Parks) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the recommendation that the South Downs should become a National Park.
29 May 2007
The South Downs Society invites families to stretch their legs and explore one of the gems of the countryside on Thursday 31 May on a leisurely three mile walk at Cissbury Ring in West Sussex.
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Combined Press release issued on 14/05/2007
A giant wind turbine proposed by Glyndebourne Productions Ltd on the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is being resisted by four of the leading national and regional countryside organisations.
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Local amenity group the South Downs Society has today (4 May 2007) welcomed the arrival of two key new recruits ' both former stalwarts of East Sussex County Council.
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In 2005, John Prescott decided to give permission for the building of a 22,000-seater stadium at Falmer in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Following our intervention, and that of Lewes District Council and Falmer Parish Council, the High Court quashed that decision. Government lawyers had agreed with our argument that Mr Prescott had made an error in his decision because he had treated the site as if it was within the built-up area of Brighton. The Secretary of State has now asked us for our further representations.
At the parish council meeting on Friday 9 February 2007, villagers of Ringmer, near Lewes in Sussex, voted overwhelmingly against the proposal to erect a 230-foot turbine on the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Read more »
Do you have comments about the proposed Glyndebourne wind turbine at Ringmer? Have your say! (February 2007) Read more »
Leading countryside and environment organisations have today (30 January 2007) joined with astronomers in calling on Southampton to scrap its plans for a permanent laser light show when the City Council's Cabinet meets to decide on the project next week. Read more »
The South Downs Society today (19 January 2007) called on Glyndebourne Opera to rethink its plans to build a large wind turbine on hills in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The planning application, which was submitted yesterday afternoon to Lewes District Council, proposes the building of a 70m wind turbine on the famous south downs hills near Lewes
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The South Downs Society and the South Downs Campaign today (11 December 2006) welcomed a new report on national parks. The report indicates that a South Downs National Park, as well as securing added protection for this precious landscape, could bring more economic prosperity, particularly for rural areas where local jobs can be hard to come by.
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The South Downs Society today (6 December 2006) called for assurances that a new government report would not lead to the destruction of any special wildlife sites or areas of open space on and around the South Downs.
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Glyndebourne Opera House wants to build a massive wind turbine on top of the Downs near Ringmer, threatening to blight the iconic South Downs landscape for miles around.
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Following its successful Farm Conference in Chichester in January 2006, the South Downs Society has produced a full report and analysis of its findings.
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The South Downs Society is delighted that Lewes District Council has resolved to lead a High Court challenge against John Prescott's decision to give planning permission for a football stadium in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
"It was a thoroughly bad decision that showed no respect for the national treasure of the South Downs" says Vice Chair Hazel McKay. "The decision would result not only in a large blot on the landscape but would also create an unfortunate precedent for future planning decisions affecting the South Downs".