South East Forum For Sustainability

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After all the long wait it might seem slightly cruel to launch the new South Downs National Park on April 1st. But its no joke, after the National Park Confirmation Order was signed in November last year by Hilary Benn, it came into effect on 31st March and the new National Park Authority came into being on the 1st April. The South Downs NPA will be a shadow organisation for 1 year when it will take over the reins completely.

The campaign to set up a National Park for the South Downs has been a protracted one. Many SEFS members have supported it, some from the start and several, noteably the South Downs Campaign, have  been key movers and shakers in ensuring that the park covers a comprehensive and inclusive area. Thousands of volunteer hours have gone into shaping the arguments for the Park and those who have worked so hard to ensure this iconic landscape is fully recognised for what is worth deserve our hearfelt thanks. Now that it’s reason for being has come into being the South Downs Campaign has disbanded but you can click to read the last Campaign newsletter. SEFS is delighted to see that Sue Saville from the National Trust and a SEFS P&EC member has been appointed to the new Authority.

SEFS members can continue to engage in the development of the National Park through the new South Downs Network which has been set up to to share information and work together to support enhancements and to fight damaging proposals. It is felt that that the network will be important to ensure that pressure is maintained for greater protection and enhancement of the South Downs. To sign up or to find out more information, contact: Jacquetta Fewster of the South Downs Society (which has kindly agreed to host the administration of the network) on 01798 875073 or email: downsmen-d@btconnect.com