On 30th March 2009 the British Environment Secretary, Mr Hilary Benn, announced the government's decision to declare the South Downs a 'National Park' thereby ending years of discussion and indecision about the future of this beautiful area of English countryside.
A National Park Authority should be up and running within a year and the new park declared 'open' early in 2011.
The news has been welcomed by hundreds of organisations concerned with the natural environment; amongst them :-
The R.S.P.B.
The Council for the Protection of Rural England
The Wildlife Trusts of Sussex, Hampshire & Isle of Wight
The W.W.F. in U.K.
The Youth Hostels Association
The Ramblers Association
The South Downs Society (formerly Sussex Downsmen)
