South Downs National Park

Our ambition is make the South Downs the UK's most accessible National Park.
During #NationalWalkingMonth, it's important for us to reflect on the work we've done to open up more of the South Downs for people with limited mobility and also to reaffirm our commitment to open more 'Miles without Stiles.'
Find out more 👉 https://buff.ly/2LnbT2C

Delighted to announce a brand new initiative for the South Downs National Park Trust.
With the help of funding from Forest Holidays and other donors, we're looking to connect families with nature through fun outdoor activities 🌳🦋
... Learn more 👉bit.ly/2WMlKS5
#SouthDowns #charity #JohnMuir #Nature
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LIMITED SPACES BOOKING ONLY
Join the National Trust who would like to introduce you to their cattle. They are welcoming everyone, including dogs to find out just what role these magnificent creatures play in helping the heaths.
Natalie Light our dog behaviourist will be on hand to help with doggie introductions and show you how best to moooooooneuvre through a field of cows. The walk can easily replace your normal dog walk for that day. Join us at 09.30am or 11.00am.
... More than a million dogs, and their owners, live in the South East of England and with more than 3,300km of rights of way the South Downs National Park welcomes many thousands for their walkies every day.
Since the vast majority of these dogs behave well, the National Park is launching a celebration of great dog owners with our Take The Lead Campaign. Dogs should always be kept on a lead around livestock, so to help we are inviting you to meet the cattle.
Whilst we are keen to include as many dogs and walkers as possible, this event is not suitable for dogs with serious behaviour issues and dogs should be comfortable in the company of people and other dogs. If you are unsure as to whether it may be suitable for your dog please contact nat@natdogs.com.
Reserve your place on eventbrite, email heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk or call 01730 819320 for more details and to book a place.
Please note:
All dogs attending the event must be on a lead All dogs attending the event must not be wearing equipment such as shock collars, spray collars or prong collars and the use of aversive techniques or equipment will not be tolerated. The methods advised by Natalie Light dog training & behaviour are not based on fear, pain or intimidation but instead use distance, safe management (lead or long line) and rewards to keep dogs calm and encourage desired behaviours. Dogs will not be encouraged to approach or interact with the cattle at this event and instead, owners will be given advice about keeping their dog calm and at a safe distance whilst training them to ignore the cattle.
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Barn owl update! 🐣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ For the last few weeks our chicks have been growing and are now coming towards the end of their incubation period. They're expected to hatch over the next few weeks.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Watch along and let us know if you see any signs of hatching ⁣⁣... ⁣⁣ Live stream 👉 https://buff.ly/2L423DU⁣⁣ •⠀⁣⁣ •⠀⁣⁣ •⠀⁣⁣ #southdowns #southdownsnationalpark #discovernationalparks #birds #nature #wildlife #birdsofinstagram #photography #naturephotography #animals #natgeo #wildlifephotography #birdwatching #birdphotography
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Great to see this fundraiser supporting our new charity initiative Bee Lines to help protect our pollinators! 🐝🐝

Regular walkers and hikers in the South Downs might occasionally come across waymarkers for The Monarch's Way 👑
But what is it?
As the signs point out, it's a 615 mile walking trail that takes in the escape route of King Charles II in the closing days of the English Civil War.
... It's not a straightforward route and takes in parts of the South West, Midlands and the South East, going through the Mendip Hills, the Black Country, Jurassic Coast and the South Downs.
Probably one to section hike rather than attempt the entire route.
Follow the link to find out more 👉 https://buff.ly/2Y4ZdAo
#NationalWalkingMonth #WalkThisMay
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The Greenhavens Network is a collaboration of people that want to protect and to improve their local green spaces. Working in partnerships and collaboratively, volunteers come together to enhance their parks and opens spaces for people and wildlife.
Find out more about the group by clicking on the link below!

Our creative Writer in Residence Sara Clifford needs your stories!
What do you know about the local myths and legends of your town or village?
Get involved throughout May and June. Find your nearest event 👉 bit.ly/2W4OZ5C
... #SouthDowns #InnCrowd Applause Touring
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🦎 Did you know heathland in the South Downs is one of the few sites nationally where you might spot a sand lizard?
In early spring many of the creatures that live on the heath are emerging from their burrows after a long winter in hibernation.
In April male sand lizards develop dazzling green patterns on their flanks – an irresistible lure for females who wiggle their tails to woo their suitor.
... Once they’ve mated, the male might guard the female for several days fighting off any other males who approach her.
If he keeps out of trouble, he could live for up to 12 years.
Check out the video below!
#WildlifeWednesday #HelpTheHeaths #HLFsupported
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Fresh air, amazing open views and "forest bathing" - find out why the South Downs National Park is the perfect natural remedy for mental health and well-being 🙂
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #SouthDowns #NationalParks

🏞️ We're so lucky to have a rich abundance of wildlife on our doorstep but it's been a struggle to keep it that way.
Up until recently, species like the water vole were extinct from large parts of England.
Over the last decade we've worked with partners to see their successful reintroduction into our waterways.
... But invasive non-native species still pose a challenge.
Plants and wildlife alike, many of which were unfairly introduced because of their commercial value, are slowly being removed from our habitats, giving native species a fighting chance to prosper.
It's perhaps one of the hardest jobs we have to do to conserve our landscape, our habitat and the creatures that should be there.
Find out what we're doing to help water voles & other native species
👉 https://buff.ly/2UZYEFY
#InvasiveSpeciesWeek #SouthDowns
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The remarkable return of otters, new cycling and walking opportunities, days out and lots more!
Read it all in the May edition of South Downs News 👉http://bit.ly/2Jgupcx
We've also got a prize of a luxury chocolate hamper this month!
... To sign up for the enewsletter 👉 http://bit.ly/2uvuQZv
#SouthDowns #NationalParks #WildlifeNews
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Cameras at the ready!
We're now accepting entries for this year's photo competition.
This year's theme is 'Experience the natural world.'
... We're looking for images showing people out and about enjoying our gorgeous landscape, whether that's walking, running, cycling, counting butterflies, spotting birds, cartwheeling or jumping for joy.
The competition closes on Friday 18 October with winners to be announced in November.
For full details on how to enter head to 👉 https://buff.ly/2PDHjBR
Good luck!
📷 'Freshly Frozen' by Clive Blott, third prize winner in the South Downs photo competition 2018/19
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The 64 mile-long Serpent Trail winds through our cherished heathland sites.
The name of the Trail reflects the serpentine shape of the route.
Starting with the serpent’s ‘tongue’ in Haslemere High Street, Surrey; the route leads to the ‘head’ at Black Down, West Sussex and from there the ‘body’ turns west, east and west again along the greensand ridges.
... The trail ‘snakes’ by Liphook, Milland, Fernhurst, Petworth, Fittleworth, Duncton, Heyshott, Midhurst, Stedham and Nyewood to finally reach the serpent’s ‘tail’ at Petersfield in Hampshire.
Lowland heath, one of the rarest habitats on Earth, was created more than 6,000 years ago when Neolithic man began to clear the forests.
The acidic sandy soil couldn’t be used for growing crops so was put aside for grazing and what emerged was a landscape of dry heath and wet bogs and within its dwarf forest of gorse and heather lies a magical world.
If you're really lucky, you might even spot a sand lizard.
Find out more 👉 https://buff.ly/2V07aoq
#SerpentTrail #NationalWalkingMonth #WalkThisMay #HelpTheHeaths
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It's #InternationalAstronomyDay 🔭🌌
As one of only 13 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, we're incredibly lucky to have near-perfect stargazing sites on our doorstep.
With two million people living within five km of the National Park our reserve is one of the most accessible in the world.
... Find your nearest stargazing spot 👉https://buff.ly/2GrL8ac
#SouthDowns #SouthDownsNationalPark #DarkSkies
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Southdownsnp It’s #Hedgehogawarenessweek 🦔
The dark night skies of the South Downs are not only good for stargazing, they help nocturnal wildlife such as moths, bats and of course hedgehogs.
Did you know that a group of hedgehogs is called an ‘array’.
... These cute critters are now busy foraging at night – get your gardens 'hedgehog ready' this weekend
Top tips 👉 http://bit.ly/2LGB4yN
📷 Mark Wheadon
#southdowns #southdownsnationalpark #discovernationalparks #embracethedarkness #hedgehog
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It’s #Hedgehogawarenessweek 🦔
The dark night skies of the South Downs are not only good for stargazing, they help nocturnal wildlife such as moths, bats and of course hedgehogs.
Did you know that a group of hedgehogs is called an ‘array’.
... These cute critters are now busy foraging at night – get your gardens 'hedgehog ready' this weekend
Top tips 👉 http://bit.ly/2LGB4yN
📷 Mark Wheadon
#southdowns #southdownsnationalpark #discovernationalparks #embracethedarkness #hedgehog #hedgehogsofinstagram #darknightskies#getoutside #outdoors #nightsky #natgeo #landscapephotography #landscape
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