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.
The National Park Authority took over responsibility at the end of March 2011 and the new park was declared 'open'
The designation of the park was welcomed by hundreds of organisations concerned with the natural environment; amongst them :-
Footprints of Sussex
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)
Badger Trust
Butterfly Conservation
Sustrans Southeast
... and many, many more
A few politicians were against the decision.