South Downs National Park chief executive speaks on Glover Review

That is the message from Trevor Beattie, chief executive of the park's authority.

He has reflected on the work that has been done since the Glover Review was published by central Government last year.

Mr Beattie said: "The report underlined the fact that the South Downs National Park was on the right track in most of our key areas – including engaging with young people and under-represented communities, improving accessibility and tackling the biodiversity emergency.

"However, we know much more remains to be done to address the long-term challenges facing all protected landscapes.

"Earlier this year we published the Partnership Management Plan for the National Park, which brings together environmental organisations, land managers, farmers, community organisations, communities, businesses and volunteers, and sets out the 10 ambitious outcomes we want to achieve over the next five years.

"Two crucial ambitions are to help nature recover and to connect everyone with nature for the benefit of both nature and people."

These are two of the most important recommendations of the Glover Review, which aims to keep track of and improve protection by national park authorities.

Mr Beattie continued: "The Covid pandemic has brought challenges for the National Park, as it has to all aspects of life.

"Yet we know the pandemic has led to people needing the National Park more than ever, and to a positive shift in the importance people give to protecting and enhancing nature.

"We’re continuing to work really hard to turn the tide on biodiversity loss on a big and small scale, through larger landscape projects such as Heathlands Reunited and via smaller initiatives for individual indicator species such as the Field Cricket and Water Vole.

"We’re also spearheading a number of innovative schemes, including Bee Lines, to create a new network of wildflower corridors, and Trees for the Downs, which is planning to plant over 8,500 trees this season."