Walkers, cyclists and riders are being asked this new year to consider making a donation to support the South Downs Way National Trail.

The South Downs Way, which stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex, is one of 15 trails in England and Wales – long distance routes, all of which are open to walkers and specifically designed and managed for horse riders and mountain bikers.

National trails are designated by the government and are managed to the highest standards by dedicated staff and volunteers.

More than 20,000 long-distance walkers, cyclists and riders complete the 100-mile South Downs Way every year and many more will explore at least one section of it – some for pleasure, others for the challenge, and many to raise money for charity.

A new donation scheme means that people who have enjoyed the trail will have the chance to give something back.

Andy Gattiker, South Downs Way manager, explained: “We have around 15,000 pairs of boots, 10,000 tyres and 800 hooves travelling the length of the trail each year. That’s a lot of wear and tear.

“We are so proud that it’s not just one of the best-known trails in the country but that people use their experience of it to raise tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of pounds each year for causes ranging from reducing international poverty to beating heart disease or supporting their local hospice.”

He added: “We work hard to keep the South Downs Way in good condition and have lots of ideas for projects to improve it – for example, we’d love to install more location specific signposts, put in more drinking water taps and manage more path verges for wildflowers. If everyone who used the trail gave just £1 we could be even more ambitious.”

England and Wales has 15 national trails – all free to use and managed to high standards. Like many publicly-funded initiatives, resources are limited and trail managers in both countries are hoping that the new scheme will help them generate support to make the trails even better.

Donations of any size are welcome with 80 per cent of money received being used to directly fund improvements to the trail, including maintenance of the path, replacing stiles with gates, and putting up new signs.

The remaining 20 per cent will be used to support the trail website, where around 140,000 people go every year to find free and independent information on how to access the trail, how to break it up into sections, and where to stay. This work is not funded by the government.

To make a donation toward the South Downs Way, visit nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way/donate.