Views of the Downs will help shape national park’s future

Three years after the park came into being, the authority running it is inviting comments on what its priorities should be – whether improving public rights of way and cycle routes, promoting local produce, or making more housing available for local people.

Feedback on plans for how the park’s landscapes, people, wildlife, heritage and economy will be managed is being sought in a public consultation, ‘Your Voice, Your National Park’ , running until September, on the draft National Park Partnership Management Plan.

Trevor Beattie, chief executive, said: “We want the widest possible participation in the exciting task of preparing the first Partnership Management Plan for the South Downs, setting out how people who live in, work in, and visit the National Park can be part of achieving our ambitious vision for its future.”

The plan will run from 2014-19. Comments can be made online at www.southdowns.gov.uk/managementplan

For a copy of the plan and survey, email [email protected] or write to Management Plan Consultation, SDNPA, Hatton House, Bepton Road, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9LU.