South Downs National Park Authority

We're calling time on 💩 left on the ground or put in a bag and hung on a branch. Introducing B-I-N-G-O... #SouthDowns #TakeTheLead #DogWalking

#OTD 15 years ago, the South Downs National Park officially came into being. This followed the official signing on 12 November 2009 by the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, confirming the designation. As we mark 15 years, we reflect on what's been achieved but, more importantly, what more we need to do with our partners for nature, climate and people. We are part of a national family of protected landscapes—designated for everyone to enjoy, now and for future generations. Here’s to the first 15 years—and many more to come! 💚 #SouthDowns #NationalPark

If you haven't spotted any yet, you will do soon. The appearance of cowslips brightens the landscape. A favourite of many pollinators, it is a crucial food plant for the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, a rare species with a stronghold in the South Downs. 📷 Andy Reeves #SouthDowns #Spring

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mums out there. For those who no longer have their mother in their lives, we know the day can throw up all kinds of emotions. Whether you're spending today with your mum, either by your side or in memory, we wish you all a peaceful Sunday. 📷 Stuart Williams #MothersDay #MotheringSunday

Blossom season. We love it! #SouthDowns #Spring #Blossom

The charismatic yellowhammer. One of our most familiar farmland birds - the unmistakeable yellow head and underparts as well as its distinctive song - 'a little bit of bread and no cheeeese'. Hedgerows are an important habitat for yellowhammers, on top of which the male will perch singing its heart out to attract a partner as well as to defend his territory. Have you heard them yet? 📷 Piers Fearick #SouthDowns #Spring

On Monday the South Downs National Park turns the big 1-5! The idea for the South Downs to become a National Park was first mooted way back in the 1920s. Nearly 80 years later, that dream became a reality when, on 31 March 2010, the Secretary of State officially designated the South Downs as England's newest and youngest National Park. Fifteen years on, a great deal has been achieved for nature, climate and communities. But, we face growing challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, water pollution and economic uncertainty. Later this summer, we'll be kicking off the process of drafting our new Partnership Management Plan. Involving dozens of stakeholders, the Plan will include our shared goals for nature, climate and people. So, this weekend, raise a glass (ideally one of the many brilliant wine, beers, spirits and soft drinks produced within the National Park) and let's celebrate 15 years of being a protected landscape for all to enjoy and cherish. Cheers 🍻 #SouthDowns #NationalPark

Here's another early bloomer: the common dog violet. With its heart-shaped leaves, it's an important food source for several fritillary butterfly species. It's no surprise the Victorians associated this flower with love, often sending them to express romantic feelings or to let someone know they were thinking of them. 📷 H. Helene #SouthDowns #Spring

Are you passionate about access to the countryside? We're looking for individuals to join the South Downs Local Access Forum. This is a chance to make a real impact on improving and expanding recreational access, providing advise and feedback. Interested? Apply before 18 April 👉 https://lnkd.in/edanCA6Z #SouthDowns #Access

Now that's a job well done. Thanks to the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, Keymer Farm in East Sussex was able to enhance their local chalk stream and increase natural flood management capacity through the restoration of two on-site ponds. #SouthDowns #FiPL