Sussex and Hampshire's South Downs National Park currently has a quarter of its land managed for nature such as woods, heaths, ponds and nature reserves.
But the park authority this morning (July 5) launched its campaign centred around a wish to create a further 13,000 hectares of habitat for plants and animals to thrive.
The area represents about 250 times the size of Brighton Marina.
If this happened, it would increase national park land managed for nature to 33%.
This is more than the United Nations-backed target of 30% by the year 2030 — though the SDNPA said its aim by the same date is two-thirds, 67%.
Ecologist Andrew Lee is head of countryside policy and management for the South Downs.
He told the Press Association:
“The biodiversity crisis is real and it’s happening before our eyes, but the good news is it’s not too late to turn the tide of wildlife loss.
“Nature can thrive anywhere given the right support and we can all work together to make a real difference.
“Located in the busiest part of the UK in the South East, the South Downs National Park has a crucial role to play to lead nature recovery and be the hub of an interconnected ‘nature network’ for the entire region.
“Nature needs us now and we also need nature, perhaps now more than ever before in this post-pandemic world where green spaces have taken on a new level of importance.
“Apart from being incredibly beautiful and part of our shared appreciation for planet Earth, nature gives us everything – whether it be clean water, fresh air or food to eat.
“We’re launching this campaign without a moment to lose because it’s time for all of us to help nature to renature.”
The biodiversity of the South Downs includes more than 20 species of butterfly along with 12 native reptile and amphibian species.
Mr Lee added:
“The crux of this initiative is that we want nature everywhere for everyone.
“Nature recovery in the South Downs National Park is not one big ‘rewilding’ project, it will be achieved through lots of different projects, both large and small, that together will create nature recovery.
“Our goal will be achieved by working with our farmers, land managers, communities and local authorities, as well as other partners and environmental charities.
“It will include everything from hedgerow restoration, to planting thousands of trees, to the restoration of individual village ponds, to planting new wildflower corridors.
“Nature recovery is about a National Park that is better for wildlife and people, that will also restore, conserve and enhance the magnificent and varied landscapes that make the South Downs so special.”
More information about the plans, and an appeal for funding is here:
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