South Downs become a new National Park

01/04/2009 14:31:36 New Park has critical role as green lung for millions
April 2009. Natural England - the organisation responsible for designating National Parks in England - heralded confirmation of National Park status for the South Downs as a landmark decision. Having fought for years to have the Park made as large as possible, Natural England is delighted that the new Park will include the Western Weald.
Poul Christensen of Natural England, said: "National Park status for the South Downs not only secures its place among England's finest landscapes, but it's also great news for its people and its wildlife.

"The South Downs are a critical green lung for the South East, providing millions of people with unparalleled access to open countryside in a way that has incalculable benefits for their health, well-being and their appreciation of why the natural environment matters. Coming in the 60th anniversary of the National Park Act, we applaud the decision that has been made."

Chalk and clay
Situated in one of the busiest and most populated areas in Europe, the South Downs' fragile chalk and clay landscapes face a wide range of challenges - from climate change, to increasingly intensive usage of surrounding land, and growing demands for the development of new homes, roads and businesses.

South Downs, England's newest National Park created in 2009.

60 years of National Parks
Poul Christensen, continued: "Announcing that one of England's most cherished landscapes is now a National Park is the perfect way to celebrate 60 years of National Parks and all that they have achieved. Protected areas like this have played a vital role in helping our most treasured landscapes and wildlife withstand the pressures that our crowded island is throwing at them. Our wider countryside is faring less well, and over the next 60 years we will need to shift our focus to ensure that the natural environment outside protected areas is better able to cope with the growing challenges of development and climate change."

The pressures on the South Downs have been acknowledged for decades and the possibility of creating a National Park in the South Downs was first proposed over 60 years ago by Sir Arthur Hobhouse. He was the architect of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act that led to the creation of National Parks. He identified 12 areas as candidates for National Park status and with today's decision to designate the South Downs, Hobhouse's original National Park vision is at last complete.

2000 miles of pathways
Poul Christensen, concluded: "Rich in wildlife and cultural heritage and providing over two thousand miles of well-managed paths and bridleways, the new Park is a priceless asset that will enable millions to connect with the natural environment, with all the benefits that this brings."