South Downs Trust

Volunteers at the Woodingdean Wilderness CIC helping to plant trees as recipients of the South Downs National Park's Trees for the Downs initiative.

Triumph for trees as National Park’s huge planting scheme edges closer to target

Some 20 sites across the length and breadth of the National Park are benefitting from tree planting thanks to Trees for the Downs, which launched five years ago and is led by the South Downs National Park Trust, the official charity for the National Park.

RSPB Pulborough Brooks at ideal water height - image shows flooded landscape

Wonderful news for wetlands as £1.7m funding announced

A huge funding boost will help restore precious wetlands across the South Downs region and help raise awareness about the vital importance of water in all our lives.

Young group of summer camp participants looking over the Cuckmere river at Seven Sisters Country Park

Outdoor education opportunities for young people in the South Downs National Park given funding boost from Hydro Flask

As part of their Parks for All program, US company Hydro Flask have donated over £10,000 in 2024 to the South Downs Trust to help more young people living in cities to access the outdoors and access the health and wellbeing benefits of the National Park.

image of wildflowers growing in the rough area of Pyecombe golf course in the South Downs

Golf courses coming together to fight biodiversity loss

Golf clubs across the South Downs National Park and beyond are coming together to help fight biodiversity loss.

A group of volunteers getting ready to receive traditional scything skills from a CPRE Hampshire training session

Wildlife friendly volunteers scything to restore Magnificent Meadows

Two recent grants given by the South Downs Trust have had a big impact on effective meadow management in the Winchester area, offering free training to locals to learn the art of scything.

aerial image of the river Ouse and valley in East Sussex.

Community celebrates incredible climate action

A wave of inspiring climate action has been kickstarted thanks to a groundbreaking lottery-backed initiative in the Ouse Valley. From scores of children learning to ride bikes, to new community vegetable gardens, climate hubs, river tours, volunteer training and energy-saving workshops, people across the Lewes, Seaford, Peacehaven and Newhaven areas have been busy doing their bit to help their local environment.

image showing visitors to an open day at Nyetimber vineyard in the South Downs National Park.

Join us for an Exclusive Open Day at Nyetimber

Back by popular demand, we are pleased to invite you to attend another exclusive Nyetimber Open Day in aid of the South Downs National Park Trust on Friday 30 August.

Walkers and cyclist next to the river Ouse in east sussex

Ouse Valley Climate Action - Community Pitch 2023-24

The Ouse Valley Climate Action (OVCA) project invited organisations in East Sussex to bid for a prize to turn their sustainability idea into practical action. Ideas had to meet the OVCA project themes of reducing carbon usage, supporting nature and enhancing wellbeing, knowledge and skills around climate change.

image showing a taster day for Timber-repair-in-the-Gridshell at Weald-Downland-Museum

Investing in Heritage Building Crafts - SCF fund

Through our Sustainable Communities Fund, support has been given to the Sussex Heritage Trust to deliver “taster day” opportunities to try out building conservation crafts.

Image of Aspinal of London's bee charm for a necklace or bracelet

WIN - Bee-autiful necklace and bee charm up for grabs

In celebration of World Bee Day that took place recently, we’ve got a stunning necklace and bee charm in gold, part of their bee-themed accessories to give away, courtesy of Aspinal of London.

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