Go to The South Downs National Park Main website

The South Downs formally became a National Park on 31st March 2010.

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs – The treecreeper | © Mark Greco

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs -The goldcrest | © Mark Greco

Orchids, Beacon Hill

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs – The hedgehog | © Mark Greco

The River Itchen. A rich chalk river habitat with a wide diversity of plant and animal life. | © Nigel Ridgen

Woolmer Forest

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs – The Blackbird | © Mark Greco

Tree creeper – A small woodland bird that eats insects found on tree trunks.

Stag beetle – A fascinating beetle that spends years as a larvae growing in rotting wood

Oak hook-tip moth – A well camoflaged moth; the larva feeds on oak

Corn marigold – A brightly coloured wild flower that often grows as a weed in corn fields but is an important nectar source for insects and bees

Barley – A common cereal crop grow for food, brewing and animal feed.

Stone curlew – A rare summer visitor to the South of England. Will they been seen the the South Downs this year?

Chalkhill blue butterfly – A beautiful butterfly seen on chalk grassland, especially on horseshoe vetch.

Birdsfoot trefoil – A food plant for many butterflies including many “blues” that are found in the South Downs

Bee orchid – A beautiful “bee like” flower that can be seen in June and July on chalk grassland

Southdown sheep – A sturdy local breed that grazes on grassland

Bog bush cricket – Typically found in bogs and wet heathland.

Sundews – carnivorous plants that are specially adapted to live in wet, nutrient poor, acidic soils.

Sand lizard – A sand lizard can grow up to 25cm long!

Barn Owl – often found on Farmland where they hunt for small mammals.

Adder – one of our native reptiles

Map 4.1 Distribution of designated wildlife sites of national and/or international importance | Maps prepared by: GeoSpec, University of Brighton; April 2012. | Source: Natural England, 2011 | Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright © Licence No. 100050083.

National Parks England – Wildlife Wonders

November 3rd, 2015

National Parks provide valuable spaces for nature on a large scale, with special protection for wildlife. Map and infographic of the wildlife highlights in England’s National Parks.

Woolmer Forest

Orchids, Beacon Hill

The River Itchen. A rich chalk river habitat with a wide diversity of plant and animal life. | © Nigel Ridgen

Lavender production in Selborne

Ditchling vineyard, Plumpton

Coppicing in Hampshire

Mosaic Group Leader Visit

Paragliding off Devil’s Dyke. Great opportunities for recreational activities and learning experiences

Butser Ancient Farm

Kayaking on the Cuckmere

Straw Bales, Beacon Hill

Ploughing the fields

Farm above East Meon

Plumpton College Vineyard nr. Ditchling

Zig-Zag Path, Selborne

The Chattri. Well-conserved historical features and a rich cultural heritage

Stand and Deliver – Heathland through the ages

Mosaic at Bignor Roman Villa

Seven Sisters, November (© Richard Reed)

Heathland at Blackdown

Chalk Grassland at Harting Down

Sullington and Chantry Hills, October ©Richard Reed

South Downs Way east of Bignor Hill (© Richard Reed)

Selborne from the Zig-Zag (© Richard Reed)

Launch of the South Downs National Park