Now in its third year, the Health and Wellbeing Travel Grant offers grants of up to £250, funded by the South Downs Trust, to help organisations visit the South Downs National Park. The grant gives community groups the chance to experience the landscape’s beauty, awe and wonder.
Since 2024, the grant has supported 586 people across 36 trips in the South Downs National Park.
In 2024–25, the grant supported 17 trips for 238 people.
In 2025–26, it supported nine trips for 141 people.
From the start of 2026 to October 2026, it supported 10 trips for 207 people.
If you think you know of a community group that may benefit from a trip to the South Downs, please visit: Health and Wellbeing Travel Grants – South Downs National Park Authority.
Popular destinations include:
- Queen Elizabeth Country Park
- RSPB Pulborough Brooks
- Stanmer Park
- Seven Sisters Country Park
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- Steyning Downland Scheme
- Weald & Downland Museum
South Downs National Park’s Health and Well-being Officer, Kate Drake said:
‘We have had a range of community groups access the South Downs National Park through our Health and Well-being Grant. What a wonderful opportunity for more people to experience the delights that the National Park has to offer! I am so grateful to the donors for enabling these experiences to more diverse audiences. A huge thank you’.
Participant feedback
FSN Charity supports children and young people affected by poverty, disadvantage, neglect and abuse. The charity took a group of children on an open-top bus trip around the South Downs.
‘The visit made a huge contribution to reducing social isolation, and without the grant it would have been unaffordable for most.’
Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove used the grant to take a group of older people to Amberley Museum.
‘A brilliant nature-connecting trip that is so appreciated by those who can’t otherwise access the countryside.’
Four Courts Connect, a creative health project, took residents from high-rise housing to Seven Sisters Country Park.
‘Thanks to this incredible grant, participants enjoyed a beautiful walk and took in the peaceful scenery. Everyone left feeling relaxed, happy and grateful.’
Sanctuary Café, Eastbourne took a group to Berwick Church.
‘The grant is a fantastic way to allow families (who would normally be unable) to have access to nature and explore where they live.’
To find out more about Health and Well-being Travel Grants in the South Downs National Park, please visit – Health and Wellbeing Travel Grants – South Downs National Park Authority.