WIREDGOV

91/10 England today officially welcomes the South Downs as our newest National Park.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn signed the confirmation orders in November 2009 at Ditchling Tea Rooms, surrounded by elated members of local communities within the park boundary.

The confirmation orders come into being today and are followed tomorrow (1 April) with the South Downs National Park Authority becoming the legal body responsible for running the National Park.

Welcoming the South Downs to England’s National Park family, Hilary Benn said:

“All those that live, work and visit this area know how special it is. I came to Ditchling last year so the people who have worked hard over many years could join me in celebrating giving this unique area full National Park status. I know what it means to them and being able to share that day was a real pleasure for me. I know they will cherish the area and welcome all those that will come to enjoy the fantastic surroundings now and for generations to come.”

The 632 square mile protected area, home to an estimated 108,000 people, will stretch from Beachy Head in East Sussex to the edge of Winchester in Hampshire. The National Park Authority, which will be fully operational in 2011, will now pick up the role of coordinating work on conservation and recreation in the Park’s boundary.

Notes to editors

1. Hilary Benn signed the order confirming the South Downs as England’s latest National Park on 12 November 2009.

2. A map of the national park can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/rural/national-parks/south-downs/index.htm

3. National Parks now cover nine per cent of England’s total land.

Contacts:

Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Martin Deller
Phone: 020 7238 5334
martin.deller@defra.gsi.gov.uk