A National Park covering the South Downs was first proposed as far back as 1949.

Natural England has a statutory duty under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (as amended) to designate areas of the country it considers suitable to become National Parks. In 2001 the Countryside Agency (now part of Natural England) finally published detailed proposals which if accepted would lead to the creation of a National park in the South Downs. Following an extensive consultation process through 2001 and 2002, a designation order was published in January 2003.

The proposed park will run from Eastbourne to Winchester and will include the towns of Petersfield and Lewes. Within the boundary will not only be the chalk ridge that most associate with the South Downs but also large areas of heathland, greensand hanger woodland and some of the most valuable river valleys in southern England. The South Downs National Park will be the largest National Park both in terms of area and population.

The Trust currently manages seven reserves that will fall within the boundary of the park, these are St Catherines Hill, Winnall Moors, Noar Hill, Catherington Down, Oxenbourne Down, The Warren and Coulters Dean. The Public Inquiry is ongoing. After the inquiry closes the Inspector will prepare a report for Ministers. A decision on the public enquiry, including accepting the National Park in principle, the boundary and administrations arrangements is expected in Spring 2007.

For more information about the proposed National Park in the South Downs check out the Natural England website or the Association of National Parks website.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is part of The South Downs Campaign - a network of over 110 organisations who are working together to secure the establishment of a South Downs National Park.

The Trusts response to the recent consultation:-

Proposed South Downs National Park, September 2007