125 - South Downs : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The South Downs National Character Area (NCA) comprises a ‘whale-backed’ spine of chalk. It stretches from the Hampshire Downs in the west to the coastal cliffs of Beachy Head in East Sussex. The area between Eastbourne and Seaford is recognised as Heritage Coast. The majority of the NCA is within the South Downs National Park. This recognises the natural beauty of the landscape and its value for access and recreation. Eight per cent of the NCA is classed as urban, mainly Brighton and Hove in the east.

The diverse and complex landscape of the NCA arises from local physical, historical and economic influences. It has been formed and maintained by human activity, particularly through agriculture and forestry. Brighton and Lewes Downs received International Biosphere status in June 2014 becoming the first in south-east England.

The NCA comprises a landscape of contrasts. It features dramatic white chalk cliffs and downland that create a sense of openness within the landscape. Enclosure and remoteness can be found in woodland (and even near to urban areas). The landscape hosts a rich variety of wildlife and habitats. The mixed farming systems provide habitat for rare and internationally important species. This includes the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, mature elms and rare ground-nesting birds. Cycling, walking and horse riding are popular recreational activities. The South Downs Way follows the ridge of the northern scarp and gives wide panoramic views.

The NCA contains the Brighton ground water management unit. This is the principal chalk aquifer supplying Brighton and the surrounding areas. It has been identified as being under significant stress and is classified as having ‘no water available’. This is also the case for the Worthing chalk aquifer and the River Ouse water resource management unit.

In the west of the NCA, ground water in the porous chalk feeds many of the rivers, streams and wetlands. It also provides water for public supply. Chalk absorbs rain water, so that it moves down in to the chalk aquifer rather than lying on the surface.

The Arun, Adur, Cuckmere and Ouse drain from the Low Weald to the sea. They flow through the chalk ridge in its eastern half, separating it into blocks. The River Meon in the west is a chalk stream. Its narrow valley that broadens downstream is typical.

Farming has shaped the NCA over centuries. Arable farming is mainly in the west. In central areas there are wooded areas and mixed farming. Chalk grassland is more common in the east. Over 80 per cent of the South Downs NCA is farmed.

The NCA has a wealth of well-preserved historical features. There is a range of sites from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Early industrial sites include flint mines and iron furnaces. This is a landscape with a rich cultural heritage of art, music and rural traditions. Many well-known writers, poets, musicians and artists have drawn inspiration from its distinctive sense of place. Tranquillity is experienced most on the escarpment, dip slope and within the valleys. The area provides a sense of escape in a crowded corner of south-east England.

The coastline protects the area from increasing storms and rising sea levels. It also supports rare habitats for wildlife, from chalk cliffs and vegetated shingle beaches to the hidden chalk reefs that lie beneath the waves.

The chalk cliffs at the eastern end of the South Downs around Beachy Head represent yet another scarce type of habitat. Constantly eroded by the sea, these magnificent cliffs support a range of specialised plants. They provide nesting sites for fulmar, kittiwake and peregrine falcon.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1
Plan for an expansion of species-rich chalk grassland and other semi-natural habitats, and manage and enhance other existing chalk habitats for wildlife connectivity, reinforcement of the distinctive landscape character, and improvement to water resource management.

SEO 2
Manage, expand where appropriate and enhance the downland farmed landscape, the arable mixed farmed landscape of the dip slope and the broadleaved woodland cover, conserving wildlife habitats, contributing to food provision, maintaining a distinct yet evolving landscape pattern, improving water quality and providing local sources of renewable fuels.

SEO 3
Conserve and promote the South Downs’ rich historic environment, its unique geodiversity and national and local geological sites for the contribution they make to cultural heritage, biodiversity and landscape. Maintain and enhance quality of access, including via the South Downs Way National Trail, providing interpretation to enhance educational and recreational opportunities.

SEO 4
Manage, enhance and integrate recreational opportunities and public enjoyment with conservation of the natural and historic environment, a productive landscape and tranquillity, reflecting the ambitions of the South Downs National Park.