Our Work
The South Downs Joint Committee works for the benefit of the environment and people by conserving and enhancing the landscape of the South Downs. It cares for the landscape’s natural beauty, resources and cultural heritage, as well as ensuring the communitie's well being and maintaining the economic prosperity the landscape brings. The organisation also seeks to re-connect people with the landscape in support of this purpose.
All of the South Downs Joint Committee’s work is developed within the framework of the South Downs Management Plan, which provides the focal point for all organisations, and individuals who want to or have duties to help conserve and enhance the area.
In order to achieve the Management Plan’s aims, effective partnerships and collaborations need to be developed between organisations. Seeking innovative projects, funding and providing direct practical delivery with local communities is also essential. Volunteer activity underpins much of the work of the South Downs Joint Committee.
Local delivery and volunteers
For practical working purposes and local delivery with communities and land managers, the South Downs is divided into 5 main geographic areas, each with a dedicated team of rangers or countryside officers and an area manager.
The area offices (with the exception of the Hampshire Area) are responsible for the day to day management of the Rights of Way network; this can include vegetation clearance, installing stiles or gates, and site management duties (such as maintaining Country Parks, Local Nature Reserves, and car parks). In addition to this, the areas also carry out more specific work to conserve the landscape and engage with local communities. A small Volunteer Ranger Service Team manages and develops volunteering across the South Downs in partnership with the area teams.
