A £1.7 million funding boost aims to restore wetlands and raise awareness about the importance of waterways in daily life.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund granted the sum to the 'Downs to the Sea' initiative, which will enhance and rejuvenate a network of wetlands in and around the South Downs National Park.

The project will carry out restoration work at internationally recognised wildlife sites, including RSPB Pulborough Brooks and Pagham Harbour.

The initiative will also improve fifteen ponds within the National Park to promote biodiversity and assist wildlife movement, thereby increasing resilience against climate change.

The project, involving the South Downs National Park Authority, South Downs National Park Trust, RSPB, Brighton & Hove City Council, Western Sussex Rivers Trust, and Writing Our Legacy, focuses on two main areas: 'water in the landscape' and 'water in people's lives'.

Planned activities range from wetland restoration in the Arun Valley to the revival of the historic village pond at Falmer.

Other initiatives include volunteering opportunities, the creation of 'Water Champions', and interactive workshops for schools.

The project also aims to provide nature-based activities for those suffering from mental health issues.

Schools will receive interactive presentations and workshops, promoting local information and ideas on helping the water environment.

Tim Slaney, chief executive (Interim) of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: "This significant funding is wonderful news for the South Downs National Park, its surrounding communities and the wider area.

"With a network of rivers, chalk streams, ponds, wetlands, coastline and a major aquifer, the South Downs is already of a landscape of many important ‘blue’ spaces that support both nature and people.

"Yet, like so many parts of England, these water environments are under increasing threat and it’s absolutely vital that we work to together to protect and enhance this precious resource, in terms of quality, scarcity and where appropriate access to enhance our well-being.

"With this funding and alongside our partners, we’re looking forward to restoring and improving vital wetlands, ponds and rivers, increasing the landscape’s resilience to climate change.

"We also want to increase awareness of the pivotal role that water plays in all our lives, connecting people to water for its health and wellbeing benefits and also helping to upskill local communities to be able to look after these watercourses."