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Friends of the South Downs

@friendssouthdowns.bsky.social
370 followers 344 following 78 posts

The only membership charity dedicated to protecting the South Downs. Formerly the South Downs Society. Founded as the Society of Sussex Downsmen. linktr.ee/friendsofthesouthdowns

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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Sim Elliott @sim-elliott.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Micro-climates of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social. Yesterday I saw Sciancywort, still in flower on the wall of a chalk pit at Newtimber Hill. Gone over everywhere else. Chalk Pits are slightly warmer & less windy due to chalk high albedo effect & wind shadow @bsbibotany.bsky.social
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
On Thursday 24 Sep 10:30 - 13:00, join us for a 3.5 mile walk to commemorate 100 years since we helped save the Crowlink valley from unwanted development by raising funds to purchase the land. Please join us to celebrate this important history! 🥾 friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk/events/crowl...
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
This September in aid of World Suicide Prevention Team, join the sponsored walk raising vital funds for Olly's Future mental health charity on Saturday 5th September 2026. To sign up, visit ollysfuture.org.uk/events/fivep...
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Olly's Future @ollysfuture.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Join us for an epic adventure on Sat 5 Sept 2026 at 9am, enjoying the splendour of the South Downs National Park while raising vital funds for our work at www.ollysfuture.org.uk during World Suicide Prevention Week. For anyone who has lost someone to suicide, this is a chance to honour them.
A poster for Worthing Five Peaks Challenge in support of the work of national suicide awareness and prevention charity Ollys Future www.ollysfuture.org.uk which takes place in the South Downs National Park on Saturday 5th September 2026 during World Suicide Prevention Week. The poster shows a group of enthusiastic walkers at the start of the 2025 inaugural event. The event starts at Hill Barn Lane, Worthing at 9am and there are two challenges, 17miles - covering Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring, Chantry Hill, Black Patch Hill and Highdown Hill or 6 miles around Cissbury Ring. A QR code has the registration links.
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Our brilliant volunteers were removing invasive non-native Himalayan balsam in Storrington this week as part of our collaborative efforts to tackle the spread of the species across the catchment. Interested in joining a sessions this summer? Get in touch: friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk/contact-us/
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Over the next few weeks we are hosting two free guided tours of Ebernoe Nature Reserve, a nature recovery site managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust. Wednesday 6 May 10:00 - 12:30 Wednesday 13 May 10:30 - 12:30 Booking for these events via this link: www.ticketsource.com/friends-of-t...
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Last week we hosted Aimee Felus, CE of Western Sussex Rivers Trust for a fabulous talk exploring why we need to bring the power of imagination to the realm of river restoration, and what can happen as a result! We all left feeling inspired and empowered to take action for our local riverscapes.
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Our next event is in Pulborough, and guest speaker is the passionate and knowledgeable Chief Executive of the Western Sussex Rivers Trust, Aimee Felus on Tuesday 21st April at 7pm. Tickets are £3 for this talk, booking link here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t... #southdowns #thesouthdowns
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South Downs National Park @southdownsnp.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Looking for a way to make a real difference? 🌳 We're looking for volunteers to assist with the recording of ancient, veteran and notable trees across the central area of the South Downs National Park. 🔗Find out more: www.southdowns.gov.uk/volunteering/opportunities/ 📸: Nick Heasman
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
What might you spot this March? #SouthDowns #SouthDownsNationalPark #TheSouthDowns
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Next Sunday 8 March, we are hosting a guided walk as part of our new 'No-Fear' walks. This initiative is to encourage those who enjoy walking but haven't tried walking as a group to enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment. Book your free place via this link: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t...
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Gilbert White's House & Gardens @gilbertwhites.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Calling all Under 25's! South Downs National Park have kindly sponsored 6 young people to attend our Nature Writing Book Day for free! It is first come first served, simply email: collections@gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk. If you miss out & are under 25, use the discount code: BOOKDAY1625
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Lottie is wondering if anyone can work out the location of this Friends of the South Downs bench? 🤔 Here's a clue.... it's got a bit of a ring to it! 💍 (and we've got an upcoming event at this location....) Any guesses? 😆 #FriendsoftheSouthDowns #SouthDownsWay #SouthDowns
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Free online event coming up on the 18th Feb at 7pm! Get the most out of your smartphone and capture more of the South Downs. Unlock tips and tricks from photographer David Taylor. Grab your free ticket here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t... #SouthDowns #TheSouthDowns #LandscapePhotography
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
A.K.Purkiss @akpurkiss.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
‘South Downs Portraits’ now open at @gilbertwhites.bsky.social , Selborne, Hampshire until April 12, Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30 – 4pm. @southdownsnp.bsky.social #southdowns #portraits #photography
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Fancy sending South Downs themed Christmas cards this year? 🎄 Check out the images for our 2025 designs. £5.50 a pack, link to purchase here: friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk/shop/merchan... #SouthDowns #TheSouthDowns #SouthDownsNationalPark #FriendsOfTheSouthDowns #Christmas2025 #SoutDownsCottage
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
December 1 marks the first day of Meteorological Winter ❄️ Here's some wildlife picks you might spot this month 🔎
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Upcoming online event with author and campaigner Roger Morgan-Grenville on his latest hardback, The Restless Coast. Tickets here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t... Wednesday 19 November 2025 online 7pm via Zoom.
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Join Friends of the Dales for the online launch of their latest campaign exploring the illegal killing of birds of prey in the Yorkshire Dales - friendsofthedales.org.uk/events
friendsofthedales.org.uk
Events - Friends of the Dales
Missed a talk? All our past talks can be viewed via our YouTube channel. New Campaign Launch: Eyes on the Skies Tuesday 21 October, 5:30pm – 7:00pm Our powerful new campaign − Eyes on the Skies − call...
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Community Transport Sussex @ctsussex.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
🌿 Need help getting your group to the South Downs? Travel Grants are now available for wellbeing-focused visits! 🚐 Delivered by CT Sussex & partners 📩 Get a transport quote: travelgrants@ctsussex.org.uk 🔗 Apply: southdowns.gov.uk/health-wellb... #CTSussex #SouthDowns
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
National Park rivers are at risk ❌ 📉57% of water bodies are failing to meet ‘good’ ecological status 🤢254,808 hours of sewage were spilled in National Park rivers in 2024 No more neglect or broken promises - We’re demanding action with @campaign4parks.bsky.social 👉 www.cnp.org.uk/support/camp...
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Beth Levin @betheena.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
'You came and looked and saw the view Long known and loved by me Green Sussex fading into blue With just a touch of sea.' – Alfred Lord Tennyson * * * Chanctonbury Ring, a prehistoric hill fort on the South Downs - West Sussex, England by flindersan
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we're sharing an important message: if you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care. Visit samaritans.org/WSPD Photos from the 17 mile challenge fundraising vital funds for Olly's Future charity supproted by FSD.
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
On Saturday, Friends of the South Downs supported the Worthing Five Peaks Challenge organised by the team at Olly's Future, raising vital funds during World Suicide Prevention Week. It was a beautiful day of community and fundraising, well done to everyone involved!
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
That feeling when you’re halfway through your walk only to be greeted by a rain cloud…. We hope your walking isn’t being dampened by the spells of intermittent downpours we are experiencing! 🌧️
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Some snaps from a walk from Hascombe to Winkworth covering parts of the Greensand Way Long Distance walk. Fancy joining us this Friday for a 6.5 mile walk along this route? Join us from 10:00 to 13:30. Send an email to enquiries@friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk to find out more and book your place. 🥾
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Our upcoming joint event with Friends of Chichester Harbour is a talk by the wonderful Michael Blencowe on "Auks & Orcas: a journey around the British Isles." ⛵ Please join us for a wonderful evening in Chichester city centre. Ticket price includes arrival drink: bit.ly/3UAKo7V
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Our South Downs for All Project in Hampshire is well on the way with school visits to Butser Ancient Farm, Weald and Downland Museum, and Gilbert White's House taken over the recent summer term, supported by NL Heritage Fund. Visit the project website to read about our work: southdownsforall.org.uk
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Keep those sign-ups coming in! Thank you to those who have already signed up and claimed their free Young Adult membership! We've got some upcoming events that you may wish to get stuck in with 🙌 Sign-up today and get your free membership! bit.ly/4nk1mVi
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Upcoming FREE event! 📍Tuesday 19th August, online via Zoom at 19.00pm. 🦋 A webinar exploring Butterflies of the South Downs with butterfly expert @senizdoesnature.bsky.social Book your free ticket here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t... #SouthDowns #Butterflies #FreeEvent #YouthAction
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Upcoming event! ‼️ Do you enjoy reading nature writing literature? Do you have a passion for the natural world and love our local landscapes? Book our webinar exploring the life and works of Richard Jefferies, led by Chris Hare, local history expert Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t...
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Robson Peisley @robsonpeisley.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Still time to sign up for this FREE webinar! Ideal for those looking to work in #conservation and the #environment, whether you're already on a path into the sector or considering a career change. We'll be sharing our tips, experiences, advice, and insights - not one to miss! Please share widely!
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Welcome July! And what a hot one it is already 😅 We are looking forward to our upcoming events, especially our online Q&A with @robsonpeisley.bsky.social next week! Keep those bookings coming in 🌞 Link in bio to these events! www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t...
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Caroline Clark @cclarklewes.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
…the great hump of the South Downs, flowing in one wave along the coast’ —Orlando, 1928
A photo of them there hills that Woolf also loved, I like to believe.
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Still a chance to book your place to hear Dr David Rudling explore life in Roman Sussex this Thursday at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre! Tickets here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t...
ticketsource.co.uk
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Calling all young adults! 📣 Sign up to our free webinar for young people getting into conservation with the brilliant @robsonpeisley.bsky.social 📍Monday 7 July at 19.00pm online Sign up for free tickets here: bit.ly/445g8pS
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
We are excited to announce the launch of our free young adult membership! With events, opportunities and experience catered to young people, sign up now to become a part of a charity making a difference to our National Park. bit.ly/4nk1mVi . Look out for our first event announcement coming soon! 👀
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
After Sussex Day this Monday, we're encouraging you to #LoveYourSouthDowns We love reading all about your favourite spots across the Downs, and why they are special to you 🌅 We share a love of the landscape and ensure it is as the heart of our work to protect it❤️‍🔥 #SouthDowns #SouthDownsNationalPark
An image showing the chalk cliffs from the Seven Sisters Country Park with a logo and the words 'love your south downs' at the bottom.
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Talk by Dr David Rudling on Roman Sussex 📍Pump Barn, Seven Sisters Visitor Centre 🕒Thursday 3 July at 15:00pm Tickets are £5 and include unlimited tea and coffee. We hope to see you there for an interesting afternoon of archaeology. Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t...
ticketsource.co.uk
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Your chance to have your say!
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Campaign for National Parks @campaign4parks.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
The Planning & Infrastructure Bill is being voted on today⏰ Don't let Parliament strip nature protections from our National Parks ⚠️ Last call to write to your MP as they vote on the Planning Bill www.cnp.org.uk/support/camp...
cnp.org.uk
Don’t bulldoze National Park protections
Join our campaign to stop the UK government’s new Planning and Infrastructure Bill weakening the planning protections that keep our National Parks nature-rich and safe.
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Reposted by Friends of the South Downs
Campaign for National Parks @campaign4parks.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
It’s time to reshape the future of National Parks 🏞️ We have a once in a generation opportunity to transform how #NationalParks are governed but we need your help Send a letter today - for nature, social justice & future generations ✉️ www.cnp.org.uk/support/camp...
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
It’s time to reshape the future of National Parks We have a once in a generation opportunity to transform how #NationalParks are governed but we need your help to hold Governments to their promises. Join us & @campaign4parks.bsky.social send a letter today: ✉️ bit.ly/reshaping-th...
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Join Friends of the South Downs and Dr David Rudling, Academic Director at the Sussex School of Archaeology for a talk on life in Roman Sussex. Tickets include tea and coffee. 🕐Thursday 3rd July at 3pm. 📍The Pump Barn, Seven Sisters Visitor Centre BN25 4AD. www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-t...
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
You might wish to take a look at our original logo from 1923, the year the society was founded. It was designed by Captain Bately, one of the prominent figures in the foundation of the society over 100 years ago, with help from his wife, Lilian. Have you spotted a round-headed rampion in Sussex?
A collage of photos comparing a logo for the Society of Sussex Downsmen from 1923 to the modern logo for the society, now named Friends of the South Downs. Both logos are noted for their similarity in the inclusion of the round-headed rampion flower, also known as the pride of sussex.
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
This Volunteers' Week we would like to express our thanks to all those who get involved and help keep things moving smoothly at Friends of the South Downs. Whether you are a walks leader, events and admin volunteer or however you contribute to FSD, we would like to say thank you ❤️ #VolunteersWeek
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
We are so pleased to see that brilliant efforts are being shown for such an important project to support the National Park Authority. Thank you to the Good Omens Fandom, your enthusiasm for this stretch of landscape across Sussex and Hampshire is not going unnoticed! #GoodOmens #SDNP
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Chalk grassland is such a unique habitat!
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Stunning! They love the chalk 😆
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Friends of the South Downs @friendssouthdowns.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
We think so too!
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