Campaigners take to the streets to save the Western Weald
On Saturday 21 July, campaigners from the South Downs Society will take to the streets of Midhurst because of the threat to cut the Western Weald out of the national park.
Campaigners will be handing out leaflets and calling on residents and visitors to take action and persuade the government to include the Western Weald in the National Park.
Brian Cheater, vice-chairman of the South Downs Society, said “It is vital that this precious landscape is included in the National Park. The very fine heathlands and ancient woods of the Western Weald are of national importance and deserve the protection National Park status will give them.”
Brian continued: “ We are urging all those who love this beautiful area to write to Jonathan Shaw, the minister responsible for National Parks, at DEFRA, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, LONDON SW1P 3JR, to tell him why this area should be in the National Park, and to sign our petition to the prime minister http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/western-weald."
The minister can also be contacted by email on jonathan.shaw@defra.gov.gsi.gov.uk.
In 2003 an inquiry into the creation of a National Park for the South Downs was opened and was closed in 2005. The Inspector’s report following that inquiry was at long last made public on 2 July 2007. The Inspector recommended the National Park be created, but that the Western Weald, and the settlements of Midhurst, Petworth, Petersfield, Ditchling, Steyning and Lewes be excluded from the boundary recommended by the Countryside Agency in 2002.
There is a great deal of public support for this boundary, with a BBC poll in March 2007 showing over 95% in favour.