The South Downs, from Beachy Head in East Sussex to the Winchester border in Hampshire, has been officially inaugurated as England’s ninth national park.
The new 632-square-mile protected area, home to around 120,000 people, will also include the Alice Holt site in East Hampshire and Green Ridge in Brighton. A South Downs park authority should be established by April 2010.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: ‘The unique chalk downlands and heavy weald clay landscapes which make up this wonderful countryside will now be protected for everyone to enjoy.’
The new 632-square-mile protected area, home to around 120,000 people, will also include the Alice Holt site in East Hampshire and Green Ridge in Brighton. A South Downs park authority should be established by April 2010.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: ‘The unique chalk downlands and heavy weald clay landscapes which make up this wonderful countryside will now be protected for everyone to enjoy.’