Downs to the Sea is a project led by the South Downs National Park Authority and South Downs Trust to bring together environmental organisations, farmers and communities. We’re focusing on water in the landscape, and water in people’s lives. Creation and restoration of ponds and wetlands is a key part of this project, as well as inspiring people to take action for our rivers and wetland habitats.
This project will launch in spring 2025, thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Big thanks to SDNPA and SDT for organising the partnership and putting in a huge amount of work to pull the bid together!
In January 2025 will be employing two Water Champions - one will work with Parish Councils on river focused projects, and the other with schools and youth groups to help connect children with the watery habitats on their doorstep.
We recently welcomed Fittleworth Primary to the Rother as part of our development work. James Russell, teacher at Fittleworth school, explained how valuable this type of outdoor learning is:
“Having the opportunity to venture out onto the Rother, walk the banks and investigate our local wildlife is tied inexorably to our schools values and the National Curriculum.
We are so lucky to be surrounded by such a beautiful landscape and ensuring that this is appreciated, maintained and preserved by future generations is a task of critical importance. The children were able to think about the role of water in the landscape and the role that it plays in their lives.
Now, more than ever, do we need children to engage with environmental issues and I would welcome the chance to take more children to experience this in the future. The staff that led the day were extremely knowledgeable and captured the children's attention, along with patiently answering any questions that they had. Thank you for arranging such an educational experience!”
