A huge funding boost will help restore precious rivers and wetlands across the South Downs region and help raise awareness about the vital importance of water in all our lives.
National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £1.7m to the “Downs to the Sea” initiative, which will increase and restore a network of vital wetlands across and around the South Downs National Park.
Downs to the Sea will help carry out much-needed restoration work to a number of internationally designated wildlife sites, such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks and Pagham Harbour in West Sussex. The initiative will restore 15 ponds in the National Park to create biodiversity hotspots and support the movement of wildlife between sites, increasing resilience to a warming climate.
A range of activities are also planned to connect people with waterways, including volunteering to help rivers and social prescribing to tap into waters’ benefits for health and wellbeing.
As one of the partners involved in this project, Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT) will now be able to recruit two Water Champions to help lead community-based action and raise awareness of the importance of water in the landscape.
Aimee Felus, Chief Executive of WSRT explains: “Schools will receive fun and interactive assembly presentations and workshops, supporting the National Curriculum Rivers topic with local information and ideas on how they can help their water environment. Alongside this we will work closely with parishes to raise awareness of local water issues and help them improve rivers in their local areas.
By engaging adults and children with our precious riverscapes we aim to nurture a love for these special habitats and an understanding of the importance of protecting them for both wildlife and humans, for generations to come.”
This funding comes at a time when rivers and wetlands are under increasing threat from climate change, water usage, pollution, flooding, drought, and fragmentation. Some two thirds of all freshwater species are supported by ponds and yet the UK has lost half of all its ponds since 1900. In the South Downs National Park, a survey of pond locations showed that almost 70 per cent are in poor condition, or have disappeared from the landscape, resulting in large swathes of downland where no water is available for wildlife.
Stuart McLeod, Director England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Talking with National Lottery players, we know that nature and the environment are incredibly important to them. That’s why we’re pleased to fund South Downs National Park Trust to deliver this project that will not only restore vital wetlands and ponds, but bring more people to appreciate and care for their waterways. At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re incredibly proud to be playing a role in ensuring our natural heritage is safeguarded for generations to come, but also that the projects we fund give people the chance to connect with the nature and wildlife that is on their doorsteps.”
Work will now take place for SDNPA to appoint a project team. For updates on this project visit https://southdownstrust.org.uk/downs-to-the-sea/ and for more details about our Water Champions please keep an eye on our website and social media channels.
The initiative is a partnership between the South Downs National Park Authority, South Downs National Park Trust, RSPB, Brighton & Hove City Council, Western Sussex Rivers Trust, and Writing Our Legacy.
