More than £16,000 has been raised for charity over the past year as businesses across Hampshire and Sussex are giving back to help nature.
Our Visitor Giving Scheme continues to go from strength to strength, with fundraising poured into inspiring projects such as tree planting, creating wildflower meadows, planting new hedgerows, renovating paths and helping children access the great outdoors.
The scheme is a simple way of inviting voluntary donations from visitors to the South Downs, inspiring them to put something back into looking after the places they love to visit.
It means customers to tourism businesses across the region have the option of donating on top of the cost of their stay or purchase to help protect the extraordinary landscape.
Image: Upper Parsonage Farm, near Petersfield
Over the past seven years, over £70,000 has been raised from the initiative and the National Park is now keen to get more businesses involved.
All donations go to the South Downs National Park Trust, we are the official independent charity of the National Park.
The current partners are:
- Foot of the Downs, Henfield;
- Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne;
- THE PIG in the South Downs, Madehurst;
- Woodfire Camping, Graffham;
- Freshly Fermented (Friendly Fungi), Fareham;
- Upwaltham Barns, Petworth;
- Spirit of the Downs, Bolney;
- Upper Parsonage Farm, Petersfield; and
- MASON Cycles, Coombes.
Angela Ellin, from Foot of the Downs, which offers a luxury glamping experience with stunning views, said:
“We’re proud to support the visitor giving scheme and the important work that goes into making the South Downs National Park such a great place to visit, work and live.
“Having farmed here for over 100 years, we’re passionate about helping to maintain the wonderful South Downs for now and the future.”
Sue Atkinson, from Upper Parsonage Farm (image top), which offers various camping facilities on a traditional 1,400-acre working family farm in the picturesque Meon Valley, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the visitor giving scheme.
“It’s been fantastic to see our guests so willing to contribute to the preservation of the South Downs. They really value the opportunity to give back to the beautiful landscape they are enjoying during their stay.
“It aligns perfectly with our ethos here at Upper Parsonage Farm, where we are passionate about protecting the flora and fauna of our valley. We notify our guests of any species of flora, and sightings of fauna in the local vicinity. It also encourages guests to recycle and be more sustainable. Seeing the tangible results of these contributions, like local signage and path improvements of the South Downs Way above the farm towards Butser gives our guests a wonderful sense of connection to the local conservation work that we are all supporting together.”
Chris Hannon, Business Development Lead for the National Park, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the businesses that support the South Downs Trust’s Visitor Giving scheme. By inviting customers and clients to give a little back while enjoying the South Downs, they are helping to create a powerful connection between people, place and nature. Every contribution makes a difference – just £2.50 can create a square metre of wildflower habitat and £5 can help plant a new tree.
“Together, these small acts of generosity add up to a lasting impact, helping us restore nature and protect this special landscape for future generations.”
Interested in becoming a Visitor Giving partner?
Participating businesses are featured in the Our South Downs network. Customised maps of the South Downs and fundraising certificates can be provided to display their support and contribution to guests and customers.
Our South Downs is a supportive network of businesses dedicated to building an economically alive South Downs National Park where nature can thrive.
If you are interested please contact Our South Downs.