What makes us stand out from the crowd?

Over the next two weeks the 15 National Parks across the UK will be celebrating all the great things that make them each special. Discover National Parks fortnight is a chance every year to stop and take stock of our most treasured landscapes and, at the South Downs, we have been looking at what makes us stand out from the crowd.

Located in the busiest part of the UK, it provides a place to escape to, take a breath and enjoy nature. If you’re looking for walking adventures, breathtaking views, connections with wildlife, and pretty chocolate-box villages, this is the place for you.

Once here you will quickly discover that it is buzzing with wildlife. With over 1,000 nature reserves and wildlife sites. Its colourful chalk grassland is famous for being ‘Europe’s rainforest’ in miniature, with over 40 different species of wildflower and over 20 species of butterfly in just one square metre. Some of its purple heathlands have 12 of Britain’s 13 native reptile and amphibian species and did we mention the South Downs has otters living in its rare crystalclear chalk streams? From bright blue butterflies such as the Adonis Blue, to cheeky watervoles and sand lizards, the National Park is home to some incredible native species.

Getting out and about to explore is incredibly easy. You can brave the entire 100-mile length of the South Downs Way experiencing stunning views or find your own little piece of heaven in the woods, on the purple heaths, along the stunning heritage coast or in the distinctive towns and villages across the National Park.

Whatever you choose to explore, at the end of an inspiring day why not put your feet up and enjoy some award-winning sparkling wine from one of the 50 vineyards to be found across the South Downs. Go on, you deserve it!