Natural England

Natural England today (06 Aug 2007) confirmed that it will continue to make the case for the wider South Downs National Park boundary, as designated in 2002.

Natural England welcomes the recent Inspector’s report recognising that the South Downs merit National Park status. However Natural England will continue to press for the boundary to include the significant areas, including the western Weald, recommended for exclusion in the report.

Natural England Chair Sir Martin Doughty said: “This is a major milestone in establishing a National Park for this nationally important landscape. However there is significant public support for a wider South Downs National Park including both the chalk downland and the western Weald.

“The South Downs are under increasing pressure. They are situated in one of the busiest and most populated areas in Europe. National Park status will ensure that this unique part of England is safeguarded for the benefits of residents, visitors and wildlife.”

Following the government’s decision to extend the deadline on the South Downs consultation, Natural England is calling for the scope of the consultation to be extended to allow new evidence to be submitted in support of the inclusion of the western Weald.

For further information contact: Natural England’s press office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk ,out of hours 07970 098005.

Notes to Editors:

1. Sixty years ago, the National Park Committee, chaired by the ‘father’ of all National Parks, Sir Arthur Hobhouse recommended twelve areas of land in England and Wales for National Park status. The South Downs is the only one of these twelve still awaiting National Park status.

2. Natural England has provided a statement of the impact of these changes on the South Downs boundary and this, along with the Inspector's report with its accompanying maps, is now available for inspection by members of the public at our Portland House Office in London.

3. The documents can also be viewed at various local authority offices in and around the South Downs, and on the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/issues/landscap/natparks/sdowns/index.htm.

4. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.