A community conservation project - a place to enjoy, a place to protect, a place to be proud of.
The Steyning Downland Scheme engages local people and young people in particular in enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings for the benefit of the community, the land and its wildlife. It achieves this through opportunities for conservation, education and recreation.
Why the community needs usWe manage 160 acres of rare, species-rich chalk grassland, a chalk stream and woodland. The local community steward this area for current and future generations. The scheme provides a variety of opportunities to enjoy and understand the local downs - from Art Days to Big Picnics, from Bushcraft Days to Butterfly Hunts. Our volunteer groups for all ages provide a great way for local people to work together to conserve some important habitat within the South Downs National Park.
Our impact on the communityThis is about loving our local Downs, understanding them and the many other people who use the land. Volunteers have said 'I love the scheme's ability to bridge the gap between all users and the opportunity to educate younger generations of the wildlife in the area'. We've also had some great conservation successes - we are the best site in England to see the Brown Hairstreak butterfly, in the top five for Wall Brown and over 80 species of bird have been recorded.
Conservation Volunteers - practical work outdoors with a friendly bunch of people. We meet twice a month and welcome new members - please contact Sarah - sdsvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.
