Launch of South Downs Network of major environmental groups

A new alliance between major environmental groups has led to the creation of the South Downs Network, which will fight long term for the best possible South Downs National Park. The groups, all long standing supporters of the hugely successful South Downs Campaign, want to ensure that environmental matters are given high priority in the work of the new National Park Authority which will come into being this April.

Ruth Chambers from the Campaign for National Parks will be the interim chair of the South Downs Network. Robin Crane, the long time chairman of the now disbanded South Downs Campaign, said "The work of the Campaign has finished, as we always stated our objective was to see the National Park successfully designated and gaining the protection and recognition that this landscape so richly deserves. We have long planned for a successor organisation to take over the mantle and are delighted that our major supporting environmental groups have agreed to establish the Network. " Robin continued "I will retire after a very long innings. I am delighted that Ruth has agreed to become interim chairman of the Network.  With her knowledge and wise advice, has been a key member of the South Downs Campaign".

Ruth Chambers said "Along with our partners the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the South Downs Society, Sussex Wildlife Trust, and the Ramblers we want to ensure a continuing drive for the new National Park to be outstanding in its protection of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the South Downs National Park."

"The new Network is inviting the many organisations who belonged to the campaign now to join the South Downs Network. The Network has a clear vision for and strong commitment to the long term protection of the South Downs National Park, and we encourage organisations to join us in taking forward our enduring role as a critical friend for the new Park Authority", she said.