The South Downs is famous for the 100-mile chalk ridge that crosses West Sussex, East Sussex and Hampshire in southern England.
My first real experience of the Downs was from a young age on childhood summer daytrips with my parents to Eastbourne and Beachy Head.
I got to know the South Downs as an adult when I moved to Sussex and worked for the National Park.
Working for the National Park for 4 years gave me a free ticket to the incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife and deep, complex history. There are many passionate advocates for the Downs, and not just those who are lucky enough to call the Downs home.
The South Downs encapsulates Britain’s diverse cultural history, its extensive record of trade and collaboration with continental Europe.
The blogs posted here mainly focus on walks around the West Sussex Downs, with the odd foray further afield. I haven’t walked the entire 100+ mile trail yet but have covered a good percentage of it in day trips.
It is a fascinating, complex place which I hope to photograph and write about it for the forseeable future.
South Downs highlights:
The Arun Valley: gateway to the unknowable Downs
Unlocking Landscapes 