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Stand up for the south downs day walk - sunday 1 june '97
2 April 1997
Stanmer Park, near Sussex University
Four miles from Brighton town centre (along Lewes Road)
(A few minutes from Falmer rail station)
Friends of the Earth is organising a family fun day out on Sunday 1 June to back the call for the South Downs to be given powers equivalent to those of a National Park to enable this national treasure to be properly protected. The Downs Day Walk will take place at Stanmer Park, near Sussex University. Food stalls and lots of entertainments will be provided throughout the afternoon. A number of short speeches will be given and organised walks will be available for those who who want to enjoy more of the beautiful Downs.
Currently no single body has overall responsibility for looking after the South Downs.Friends of the Earth is calling for such a body with powers equivalent to a National Park,with secure long term funding and strong planning powers, that would provide the South Downs with proper protection.
The South Downs is home to a number of threatened species such as the Adonis Blue butterfly which requires pristine chalk grassland to flourish. The Downs has lost up to 80 per cent of this habitat in the last 50 years due to intensive farming practices.
Please avoid coming by car; parking is strictly limited. Use the train or cycle (4 miles from Brighton town centre, along new cycle lanes)
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Dec 2008
