National Park created

It was welcomed by more than 160 groups that have campaigned for the establishment across a large swathe of southern England. Secretary of State Hilary Benn gave the principle approval in March this year, but discussions over two sections, including the Western Weald around Midhurst and Peterfield delayed the final approval.

The order bringing the park into existence was finally signed on Thursday by Mr Benn.

John Songhurst, chairman of the South Downs Society, said: "This is a proud day for the society and all those who have campaigned for the protection of the South Downs. The National Park means more can be done to protect our precious wildlife, and enable it to thrive.

"Landscape features such as prehistoric earthworks and the dewponds will be properly conserved.

"Villages will benefit too because National Parks create jobs and additional income."

Robin Crane, chair of the South Downs Committee, made up of more than 160 diverse organisations from local groups, societies and businesses and 29 parish and town councils, said: "Today is a fantastic and historic day: the final milestone on the long path to a South Downs national park.

"The South Downs will now have the protection and recognition that this landscape so richly deserves.

"Overall we are delighted and look forward to working with our partners to ensure that the new National Park Authority will be a great success."

Tom Franklin, chief executive of the Ramblers, who are long-standing members of the South Downs Campaign, said: "The government should be congratulated for providing such a great gift to the nation.

"National parks are a huge walking asset, offering myriad walking opportunities.

"The South Downs is on the doorstep of millions of people and this decision will safeguard it for future generations.

What the Ramblers want to see next is the speedy creation of a strong national park authority, with planning powers, to ensure that national park purposes are considered in the context of development threats to nature conservation and public access."

Although the confirmation order has now been signed, the national park won't formally be created until 1 April 2010.

On the same date the current areas of outstanding natural beauty designations in East Hampshire and the Sussex Downs will be revoked.

The reason for this delay is to allow the South Downs Joint Committee, whose existence is reliant on the AONB designations, to continue to function while the South Downs National Park Authority is established.

It is likely that the shadow park authority will be established on 1 April 2010, but the legal order to enable this to happen is yet to be laid before Parliament. This is expected to happen shortly.