A community conservation project - a place to enjoy, a place to protect, a place to be proud of.

The Steyning Downland Scheme aims to engage local people and young people in particular in enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings for the benefit of the community, the land and its wildlife. It achieves this through opportunities for conservation, education and recreation.

Why the community needs this charity

This is 160 acres of rare chalk grassland and woodland. The local community steward this area for current and future generations. The scheme provides a variety of opportunities to enjoy and understand the local downs - from Art Days to Big Picnics, from Bushcraft Days to Butterfly Hunts. Our various volunteer groups for students and wider community provide a great way for local people to work together to protect some of the south Downs rare habitat.

Results and outcomes

This is about loving our local downs, and connecting with it, understanding it and the many other people who use it as we do so. Volunteers have said 'I'm just so happy that I can be part of this group, learning from all these great people and working to make a difference to my local landscape.' 'I love the scheme's ability to bridge the gap between all users and the opportunity to educate younger generations of the wildlife in the area'

Latest activities and projects