Help ReNature the South Downs National Park

The National Biodiversity Trust’s most recent 'State of Nature' report shows that 41% of species in the UK have decreased in abundance since 1970. It’s clear that nature is under pressure and needs our help.

The South Downs National Park Authority's (SDNPA) nature recovery campaign aspires to add an extra 13,000 hectares of land managed for nature by 2030. That's an increase from 25% to 33% of land in the South Downs National Park (SDNP) managed for nature. 

To do this, and ensure nature is everywhere, we want to work with farmers, landowners, communities, local authorities and other partners. 

If you own land and would like to get involved with our ReNature campaign please email us at enterprise@southdowns.gov.uk

Nature-based solutions to business problems

The UK's decision to leave the European Union marked the end of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). CAP provided direct payments to farmers, often helping to subsidise their traditional farming income.

This has triggered the most significant policy change in UK agriculture in over 50 years. It’s a move away from direct payments towards a 'public money for public goods' approach. However, it is widely acknowledged that the Government's Environmental Land Management schemes will not be a like-for-like financial replacement, meaning farmers will have to seek alternative income streams to fill the financial void.

For marginal farms, the identification of Natural Capital opportunities on your land could be one possible solution. Making space for nature, adopting regenerative farming techniques and the monetisation of identified ecosystem services can provide nature-based solutions to business problems.

To find out more and get involved with our work on Natural Capital, please email us at enterprise@southdowns.gov.uk