THE South Downs National Park has been visited by Julian Glover.

The head of the Government’s team which reviews national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) was on a fact-finding tour, gathering evidence.

Over the course of his visit, Mr Glover spoke with many different people directly involved with the national park and representing businesses, communities, farmers, schools, environmental groups, health walk leaders, land owners, developers, national park authority officers, and park rangers.

He said: “It was a huge pleasure to walk along the South Downs in bright sunshine, explore some of the beautiful woodland and meet national park rangers, farmers, walkers, local councillors and business people.

“Our new national park faces some big challenges but it is making a difference. I hope that the review that I’m leading will help it do even more to protect the landscape while helping local people get the homes, jobs and opportunities they need.”

Margaret Paren, chairman of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “This was a welcome opportunity to introduce the review team to just some of the experiences of the people who visit, live and work in the national park – whose stories are as diverse as the South Downs’ landscapes themselves.”

And she added: “In his announcement of the Government’s review, the Secretary of State stressed that the review should make sure that national parks and AONBs are not only conserved but also enhanced for the next generation.

“In this very short visit, Julian Glover had a taste of the variety of work done toward achieving that aim here in the South Downs National Park and we hope to welcome other members of his panel in future.”

Julian Glover (centre) pictured with members of the South Downs National Park Authority team. Pictured are events manager Laura Warren, chairman Margaret Paren, director of countryside policy and management Andrew Lee and Ranger Tom Parry.