The South Downs National Park is England’s newest National Park established in 2010.
The South Downs National Park is the UK’s newest National Park, designated in 2010. It is the most populous National Park and by far the most popular, with an estimated 39 million visitors each year. It contains a number of internationally important habitats including chalk grassland and several areas of lowland heath such as Woolmer Forest, the only place in the country to have all the UK’s native amphibian and reptile species.
Designated: 31/03/2010
Habitats: Estuaries, beaches and seashore, coastal cliffs, grassland, heathland, farmland, ancient woodland
Common wildlife: Roe deer, nightingale
Star spots: Badgers, barbastelle bat
Notable towns and cultural sights: Cissbury Ring hillfort, Winchester
Notable nature sights: Chalk streams, Kingley Vale
Popular activities for visitors: Hiking, stargazing
Highest peak: Blackdown 280 meters above sea level
Annual visitor numbers: 39 million in 2019
Threats: Overtourism
CNP and National Park Societies have signed a joint letter calling for political parties to set out firm commitments on National Parks ahead of the next election
With National Parks appearing to struggle, Andrew McCloy (Chair of Trustees at Campaign for National Parks) looks into the underlying issues and how systematic changes could help them flourish.
