Rare species returning to the Downs, and education projects flourishing, thanks to support from the South Downs Society
Today (13 November 2008) the conservation charity, the South Downs Society, held a special event to celebrate five of the most important conservation and education projects in the South Downs in 2008. All the projects have been supported by grants from the South Downs Society Fund.
Saving endangered orchids
Fifty years ago, the beautiful burnt orchid carpeted the slopes of Mount Caburn in the South Downs. Today, it is one of the most endangered species in the UK. A grant from the South Downs Society has enabled academics from the University of Brighton to make a study of the insects pollinating the orchids. The findings will be used to strengthen the populations of the orchids in the future.
Dr Anja Rott of the University of Brighton said “thanks to the support from the South Downs Society, we now know much more about this beautiful and rare orchid, and the measures needed to save and re-establish this endangered species.”
On-line learning resource
Thousands of school children have visited the South Downs on field trips over the decades because it is such a wonderful area. Now they can read-up before they come thanks to the On-line Learning Zone (www.southdownsonline.org) which has been created by the South Downs Joint Committee. This website, popular with school children, teachers, and the wider public, is now being expanded thanks to a grant from the South Downs Society Fund. It will cover new topics, including the special South Downs coastline, art and literature inspired by the South Downs, and farming the Downs.
Stephen Sibbald, Communications Officer from the South Downs Joint Committee, said “the new phase of the Learning Zone will provide an exciting new resource for young and old alike. It’s great that the South Downs Society is funding this project.”
Access project in a deprived area of Brighton
At Moulsecoomb, in the heart of a deprived neighbourhood and on the edge of the South Downs, the Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project is working magic on an allotment site and adjacent woodland. All types of people, young and old, youth offenders to people with learning difficulties enjoy this unique site. The South Downs Society has given a grant for improvements to paths through the woods and the teaching of woodland skills to primary school children, children at risk of exclusion and young offenders.
Warren Carter, a spokesman for the Project, said “We fought hard for this woodland to be included in the South Downs National Park. It’s a very special place. The support we have received from the South Downs Society is making the site more accessible for more people, and helping youngsters learn new skills, build in confidence, and treasure the countryside.”
Protecting rare butterflies
On Heyshott Down Nature Reserve, the Murray Downland Trust and the South Downs Society are working to increase the diversity of wildlife on this beautiful site. The spread of scrub in recent decades has had a negative impact on the wildlife. A new project will reduce the scrub cover with the aim of enhancing the habitat. One of the likely beneficiaries of the project is the Duke of Burgundy Butterfly. Heyshott is one of the very few remaining areas for this butterfly in the South Downs.
Mike Edwards of the Murray Downland Trust said “The support from the South Downs Society is vital to the success of this important conservation project.”
Education centre in historic building
The new Sussex Ouse Valley Hostel at Itford Farm near Southease is due to open its doors early next year. As well as providing much-needed accommodation, the beautiful old farm buildings will include an Interpretation and Bio-diversity Centre, the education materials for which are being provided by the South Downs Society.
Peter Masters of Active Lewes, the manager of the project, said “The education materials provided by the South Downs Society Centre will provide a superb resource for school children, university students, and all those who are interested in our beautiful South Downs and who care about their protection.”
South Downs Society Fund
Brian Cheater, Vice-Chairman of the South Downs Society, said “we are delighted to be supporting these wonderful projects. It’s all been made possible thanks to the support and generosity of people who love the South Downs and who have made donations to help us do this work.”
- Endangered Duke of Burgundy Butterfly, copyright Neil Hulme, Butterfly Conservation Trust