Scheme to help more children visit national park

Schools are being invited to apply for fully-funded visits to the South Downs

Children who might not normally access the countryside are being given trips to the South Downs thanks to a new scheme.

The Discover The Downs initiative will benefit hundreds of schoolchildren, bringing "exciting experiences to youngsters who don’t have easy access to national parks".

Schools from across Sussex and Hampshire are being invited to apply for fully-funded visits to the South Downs National Park.

A national park spokesperson said they wanted to give pupils "the most rewarding experiences and complement their current studies”.

Activities might include discovery days to "develop a connection with nature", learning about conservation, bushcraft, wild art and natural sciences.

Children will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing, learn about nocturnal wildlife and spend a night under the stars, a spokesperson said.

The initiative is being funded by central government.

Gina Mitchell, outdoor learning specialist, said: "We’re incredibly excited to be starting this initiative to help children discover the South Downs, many of whom will be visiting this amazing landscape for the very first time.

Amanda Elmes, learning, outreach and volunteer lead for the national park, said: “There’s compelling evidence of a growing disconnect between young people and the natural environment and national parks offer a tremendous learning space to address this problem.

"Anxiety is at record levels in children, so projects like this are more important than ever."

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