South Downs National Park

Through the Downs to the Sea project (funded by the #NationalLottery #HeritageFund), and the South Downs National Park Trust’s annual ‘Pounds for Ponds’ grants scheme, we’re working with landowners and partners to create, restore and better manage ponds for wildlife. (3/3)

In the South Downs National Park we’re lucky to have a great variety of ponds including dewponds, floodplain meadow ditches and historic mill ponds. (2/3)

Happy #WorldWaterDay! 💧 Did you know two-thirds of Britain’s freshwater plant and animal species can be found in ponds? These are freshwater pools from 1 m² to 2 hectares in size that hold water for at least 4 months of the year. 📸: SDNPA (1/3)

Want to learn more about the South Downs through its archaeology? On Saturday 11 April, we have two archaeology walks taking place on Highwood Hill, led by James Sainsbury, Curator of Archaeology at Worthing Museum. 🔗Book here: eventbrite.co.uk/o/9884472334 📸Samuel Ellis

2,700 miles. The longest managed coastal path in the world. 🌊 The King Charles III England Coast Path has officially launched, connecting people to England's entire coastline for the first time in history. Read more: gov.uk/government/new… #KCIIIECP

The first day of astronomical spring 🌷 Warmer days, later sunsets, colours in bloom. 📸: Sam Moore

Today we celebrate the declaration of the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve - the UK’s first groundwater-inspired reserve of its kind 💧 🔗 Read the full story here: southdowns.gov.uk/huge-new-water… 📸: Deb Pople

Today we celebrate the declaration of the Seven Sisters #NationalNatureReserve (NNR). 🎉 1,500 hectares of globally rare habitats and wildlife better protected for nature and people. This marks the halfway point in the King's Series of NNRs. 25 by 2028. gov.uk/government/new…

The People's Choice vote for our latest Astrophotography competition is still open! 👋 Which is your favourite out of the 25 shortlisted photos? Vote here: southdowns.gov.uk/astrophotograp… 📸: Sean Lewis

Just under two weeks until our 2025/26 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding call closes! 👋 Submit your Expression of Interest by 31 March 2026! 🔗Find out more and apply: southdowns.gov.uk/community-infr… 📸: SDNPA

Situated just outside of Winchester, Cheesefoot Head is a natural amphitheatre. Its sloping chalk‑grassland walls come alive with wildflowers throughout the warmer months, attracting pollinators of every sort. 📸: Keith Palmer

Good news alert💚 The nightjar is making a remarkable comeback in the South Downs National Park, thanks to nature recovery efforts and better habitat management! 🔗 Read the full story here: southdowns.gov.uk/mythical-goats… 📸: SDNPA

Groundnesting bird season is under way ⚠️ Many of these birds are masters of camouflage but easily disturbed by inquisitive dogs. You can help by keeping dogs on leads and sticking to paths. 🔗Find out how you can Take the Lead: southdowns.gov.uk/take-the-lead/ 📸: Andy Reeves

Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing mums 💚 Wherever you are, we hope you have a splendid day. 📸: Botond Adorjan

Skylarks: the iconic songsters of the Downs. Their flight song can be heard as they fly up to 1000ft in the air when the bird itself looks like a tiny speck. 📸: Sara Humphrey

👷 Work begins this week on Southease Bridge, a historic crossing over the River Ouse on the South Downs Way. Contractors Mackley will be replacing worn deck and kerb timbers, with works expected to take 4–6 weeks. The bridge remains open with traffic management in place.

Hoping to get out for a walk in the South Downs this weekend? You’ll find plenty of inspiration in our Walking Hub. Take a look here: southdowns.gov.uk/get-active/sou… 🥾 📸: Michael Steven Harris

Did you know these dangling catkins are actually the male flowers? 🌳 If you take a closer look, you’ll see the small vase-shaped red buds - these are the female flowers, ready to receive pollen from another tree. 📸: Kirsty Ferris

The People's Choice voting for this year's Astrophotography Competition is now open! 💫 Follow the link below to choose your favourite from 25 shortlisted entries. 🔗 southdowns.gov.uk/astrophotograp… 📸: Joshua Roveschi

Vacancy: Car Parking Assistants, Seven Sisters Country Park 👋 If you enjoy working outside in all weathers, in a fast‑paced environment communicating with others and managing different logistics, then this role may be for you. 🔗More info: webrecru.it/Ixm7h