Volunteers committed to the conservation of the South Downs achieved almost 6,000 days of effort in the twelve months to April 2008, according to the Annual Review just published by the South Downs Joint Committee.

Tasks varied from replacing fencing and stiles, such as that on the Downs at South Stoke near Arundel, (above) to carrying out wildlife surveys and practical work to conserve threatened chalk downland habitat. Keen local walkers spent 253 days ensuring that public footpaths and other rights of way were clear, whilst other volunteers checked the condition of more than 50 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. In all, 724 practical tasks were tackled as a result of local people generously giving their time and skills.

The Volunteer Ranger Service makes an important contribution to the delivery of the work of the South Downs Joint Committee and its partners including Natural England, The National Trust, The Forestry Commission, local councils and a range of smaller local groups.

Ian Hartle, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the South Downs Joint Committee, expressed his gratitude to the Volunteer Ranger Service, saying:

‘It really is an honour to be associated with a group of individuals who do so much to ensure the future of the landscape and wildlife of the South Downs. The volunteers’ work makes the Downs a better place for people and wildlife.’

A planning application has been submitted to Chichester District Council to recycle some 15,000 tons of sand and shingle into the vulnerable hinge and neck area of East Head in Chichester Harbour.

The plan will involve recycling material from the north to the south of East Head to create an enlarged barrier beach that will significantly widen and strengthen the point of the beach where East Head joins the West Wittering car park.

This work is the first step in implementing the new Coastal Defence Strategy for the West Wittering and East Head frontages, and it is hoped it will be undertaken in March 2009.

The strategy is based on the Adaptive Management of East Head and will seek to maintain the social, economic, environmental and navigational value of the feature for the life of the strategy. It will involve responding and adapting to changes at East Head caused by coastal processes and sea level rise with a number of different measures. 

The project is being taken forward by a partnership consisting of West Wittering Parish Council, Chichester District Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the National Trust, West Wittering Estate, Cakeham Manor Estate, the Woodger Trust and the Chichester Harbour Conservancy. The Harbour Conservancy will act as the contractor to undertake the works on behalf of the partnership.

The scheme enjoys widespread public support, and, despite no available government funding, will be paid for by some of the partnership members.