31/03/2009 12:40:00
YHA welcomes today's announcement of a national park for the South Downs by Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary.
A national park for the South Downs is the result of an unprecedented partnership between 160 organisations (national, regional and local) including YHA under the umbrella of the South Downs Campaign (SDC) formed in 1990.
“This is a wonderful moment for all those who have campaigned tirelessly and for so many years for a South Downs National Park,” says John Templeton, a member of YHA's Board of Trustees.
“The creation of the national park will provide permanent protection and funding for the Downs as well as better management of recreation, giving greater opportunities for all to enjoy its special character.”
YHA already plays a key role in enhancing the experience of visitors to the South Downs. More than 30,000 visitors to the area, especially young people and those of limited means, stay with YHA. For many young people a visit to the South Downs is their first experience of the countryside and of a trip away from home, enhancing their personal development and understanding of the wider world.
This number is set to rise with the opening of two new Youth Hostels later this year. One will open on the Downs above Eastbourne in May and the other, at Southease in the Ouse Valley south of Lewes, is set to open in the autumn.
These great new properties will add to the opportunities for exploring the area already provided by YHA at Alfriston, Telscombe, Truleigh Hill, Littlehampton and Arundel.
YHA has been actively involved in the long-running campaign. Since the SDC was re-launched in 1996, former YHA Chairman and Vice-President Len Clark CBE, and John Templeton, Trustee, have been on the Executive Committee.
Further back in time, YHA participated in the campaign which led to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 which set up national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Chris Darmon, YHA Chairman, added “We congratulate all those in the SDC who have worked tirelessly for so many years to achieve NP status for the SD.”