South Downs National Park Authority

Stanmer Experience Project

Katharine Hale

Overview of presentation- Introduction SDNPA and C8- What is the Stanmer Experience Project?- Who is involved?- Where are we at?

South Downs National Park - April 2009 Confirmed, April 2011 Operation

Purposes- Conserving & Enhancing natural beauty- Promoting understanding & Enjoyment Duty - Fostering the social & economic well-

being of local communities

Collabor8• EU funded project • 2009-2012 (£400k)• 8 euro partners• Developing & supporting sustainable

visitor economy clusters• Heritage attractions, Breeze up to

the Downs, Arundel Food Fest, Welcome to the South Downs Training, SEP, Go Green

What is the Stanmer Experience Project? - The basic idea is for a permanent outdoors

resource for different activities that provide effective exercise to enable people to become more active and stay that active

- Ensuring the special qualities of the park are conserved and that the changes also benefit the local community of Stanmer village as well as park users.

Why Stanmer Park?

- Excellent transport links- Promoted routes & ROW already

present- Links the city to the country – gateway into

NP - Interesting biodiversity and cultural heritage

(educate)- Supporting organisations operating in the

park

Key Steps1. Identify stakeholders and Action Group2. Starter trails (possible early win)3. Central ‘Hub’ of trails in Stanmer Park4. ‘Spoke’ trails further into the South Downs

National Park5. Collaborative marketing of the whole of Stanmer

Park trails and special qualities6. Alternative and innovative new uses of some

Home Farm buildings to connect more people with Stanmer and the wider National Park.

Key milestones to date• Agreement from Brighton and Hove

City Council • Workshop with stakeholders (Nov

2010)• Identified project group• Meetings with other stakeholders• Identification of potential routes

Develop & Identify trails: • Walking (Health walking, easy

access)• Nordic walking • Cross country running • Family friendly cycling

Trail Development

Trails Project Team- Peter Williamson, Nordic Walking for Health

- Katharine Hale, South Downs National Park Authority

- Corinna Edwards-Colledge/Erica Bentley, Brighton and Hove City Council

- Simon Tunley, University of Sussex

- John and Maria Robinson, M-Cycles

• Identification and GPS mapping of routes and route spec• Feasibility discussions with BHCC and SDNPA staff• Identification of interpretation and marketing • Identification of funding • Aim to launch trails at Takepart Festival, June/July2012

Where are we at?

Katharine.hale@southdowns.gov.uk

0300 303 1053

South Downs National Park Authority, Hatton House, Bepton Road ,Midhurst, West Sussex.

GU29 9LU

www.southdowns.gov.uk

Contact us: