South Downs National Park

South Downs National Park The South Downs has been nationally recognised for its natural beauty and the space it offers. This is why it has been made into a National Park.

The South Downs has been nationally recognised for its natural beauty and the space it offers for people to enjoy the countryside. The twin purposes of the South Downs National Park are:

1. To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area

2. To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public

The S

outh Downs National Park Authority is the lead organisation responsible for promoting the purposes of the National Park, working in partnership with other Local Authorities and organisations. In delivering Park purposes, the Authority has an important duty:

To seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the local communities within the National Park

Due to the extreme heat and the latest national guidance, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel our “Experience th...
25/06/2026

Due to the extreme heat and the latest national guidance, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel our “Experience the Seven Sisters Day” and all associated activities scheduled for Saturday 27 June.

The good news is that cooler weather is on the way and our Discover the Heaths Day at Hogmoor Inclosure in Bordon is still going ahead on Sunday 28 June. We’d love to welcome you there 💜

Find out more here: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/renature-festival/ 🔗

25/06/2026

Due to the warm temperatures our Visitor Centre and Grab & Go will be closing at 4pm on Thursday and Friday.

Toilets and car parks remain open until 9pm and there is a water refill station by the Visitor Centre.

Sorry for any inconvenience!

Due to the current extreme weather conditions, the South Downs Centre will be closed to walk-in visitors on Thursday 25 ...
25/06/2026

Due to the current extreme weather conditions, the South Downs Centre will be closed to walk-in visitors on Thursday 25 June and Friday 26 June.

We will reopen as normal on Monday 29 June.

Our services remain available by phone (01730 814810) and email via [email protected] during this time. Please contact us via our usual channels, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your understanding.

📸: Nick Pailthorpe

The bee orchid. Named after its main pollinator, this sneaky orchid mimics the scent and shape of a female bee to lure m...
25/06/2026

The bee orchid.

Named after its main pollinator, this sneaky orchid mimics the scent and shape of a female bee to lure males in. When a male lands to investigate, he picks up pollen and carries it to the next flower.

Their mimicry is spot‑on, but since the matching bee species isn’t found in the UK, our bee orchids end up self‑pollinating.

Have you seen one this year yet? 🐝

📸: Charlie Hellewell

Based on the latest guidance from national agencies in light of the current red heat-health alert for the south east, we...
24/06/2026

Based on the latest guidance from national agencies in light of the current red heat-health alert for the south east, we have taken the decision to postpone tomorrow's Policy & Resources Committee. The Committee will now take place on Thursday 9th July.

📸: Sam Moore

24/06/2026

Our rangers have been out monitoring the house martin nest cups recently installed near Brighton.

Yesterday’s check showed around 18 cups occupied by pairs with chicks, with several broods already close to fledging.

Ranger Kim captured this video 🙌

Due to the current extreme weather conditions and the red weather warning from the Met Office, the South Downs Centre wi...
23/06/2026

Due to the current extreme weather conditions and the red weather warning from the Met Office, the South Downs Centre will be closed to walk-in visitors on Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June.

We will reopen as normal on Friday 26 June.

Our services remain available by phone (01730 814810) and email via [email protected] during this time.

📸: SDNPA

Hiding indoors from the sun this week? Good idea. When the weather cools, why not come along to our ReNature Festival ev...
22/06/2026

Hiding indoors from the sun this week? Good idea.

When the weather cools, why not come along to our ReNature Festival event at Seven Sisters Country Park this Saturday 27 June?

There's still time to book the following sessions:

Guided butterfly walk (10.30am & 12.30pm) 🦋
Explore blooming wildflowers, buzzing pollinators and the butterflies that call our grassland home.

Guided mindfulness walk (11am) 🍃
Step away from the busyness of everyday life and enjoy nature‑based mindfulness in the beautiful South Downs.

Willow weaving (12pm & 1pm) 🧺
A fun, creative workshop where you’ll make your own willow bird feeder.

Nature photography for young beginners (1pm & 3pm) 📸
A relaxed, beginner‑friendly session to help young people build confidence and capture the natural world.

Find out more and book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/renature-festival-2026-4843708 🔗

📸: Gary Jones

ReNature Festival: Discover Your Heaths Day, 28 June 🌷Come along for a free day of family activities as we celebrate our...
22/06/2026

ReNature Festival: Discover Your Heaths Day, 28 June 🌷

Come along for a free day of family activities as we celebrate our wonderful heathlands!

Enjoy crafts, archery, bug hunting, and hands‑on experiences with local partners while discovering how these landscapes have evolved through the ages.

📍Hogmoor Inclosure, Bordon

Find out more: www.southdowns.gov.uk/renature-festival/ 🦋

📸: Andy Reeves

Address

South Downs Centre, North Street
Midhurst
GU299

Telephone

+441730814810

Website

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