South Downs National Park film trail set to launch this summer

Ten distinct "viewing posts" have been set up along the 100-mile South Downs Way, from Winchester to Eastbourne.

Each post is linked to a film that celebrates an individual who has made a significant contribution to the South Downs.

Brighton and Hove City Council Ranger Paul Gorringe, one of heroes of new trail SDNPA (Image: Supplied)

This initiative coincides with the 75th anniversary of national parks in the UK.

The trail, named "Your National Park", covers the journeys of various individuals including a forester, a ranger, an artist, a butterfly conservationist, a teacher among others.

The South Downs route map (Image: Supplied)

Renowned beauty spots within the national park, such as Old Winchester Hill, Truleigh Hill, Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Seven Sisters, are part of the trail.

Saturday, July 27, will mark the official launch of this new trail at a complimentary family fun afternoon at One Garden Brighton, Stanmer Park.

Old Winchester Hill (Image: Anne-Katrin Purkiss)

Attendees will have the chance to preview the films and participate in a range of entertaining activities.

These include a bioblitz session to discover local bugs and creatures, guided woodland walks, pond-dipping, orchard tours, arts and crafts, and a nature-based wellness session.

In addition to the activities, Davinder Dhillon, one of the stars from the films, will discuss the journey of Hindu and Sikh soldiers from World War One.

South Downs Way at Truleigh Hill (Image: Sam Moore)

The Chattri Memorial, near Brighton, was built in their honour.

Andy Gattiker, a key figure in managing access to the park, said: "This new trail adds a new fun element to walking, cycling, horse-riding or running the South Downs Way, which of course many people take on in sections, while others take on the entire 100 miles in one go. To watch the different films, walkers simply scan the QR code on the post that then links to the film on their mobile or tablet.

Neil Hulme, one of local heroes, with his beloved Dukes of Burgundy (Image: Supplied)

"The question at the heart of these lovely films is ‘What makes the South Downs National Park yours?’ People often have different reasons why they enjoy the South Downs and want to care for it and it’s great to be able to celebrate that diversity.

"We hope the stories of all these local champions inspire people to discover more about the National Park’s amazing landscape, biodiversity and history and hopefully do their bit to help protect it for future generations to enjoy."