Go to The South Downs National Park Main website

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

St Catherine’s Hill. Diverse, inspirational landscapes and breathtaking views © Adrian Pink

Burton Mill Pond. Tranquil and unspoilt places | © Natural England

Lewes Farmer’s Market. Distinctive towns and villages, and communities with real pride in their area | © www.commoncause.org.uk

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

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

Farming near Chanctonbury Ring. An environment shaped by centuries of farming and embracing new enterprise | © Brian Toward

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

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.

Figure 1.1 Purposes and duty overlapping circles

Figure 1.2 The seven special qualities

Figure 1.3 The relationship between people and landscapes and places

Maps prepared by: GeoSpec, University of Brighton; February 2012. Source: Campaign to Protect Rural England, 2006 Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright © Licence No. 100050083.

Map 2.2 The solid (bedrock) geology of the South downs National Park Maps prepared by: GeoSpec, University of Brighton; February 2012. Source: British Geological Survey, 2008 Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright © Licence No. 100050083.

Map 2.3 Main soil types found within the South Downs National Park Maps prepared by: GeoSpec, University of Brighton; February 2012. Source: National Soil Resources Institute, Cranfield University, 2001 Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright © Licence No. 100050083.

Map 2.5 The historic landscape character ‘types’ within the South Downs National Park | Maps prepared by: GeoSpec, University of Brighton; February 2012. | Source: South Downs National Park Landscape Character Assessment, South Downs National Park Authority, 2011. | Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright © Licence No. 100050083.

The Seven Special Landscapes

August 22nd, 2015

The underlying geology of the South Downs influences land form, land use and wildlife, creating places of distinctive character and identity. Discover the seven special landscapes and their key features.