South Downs National Park.

The entirety of the 6,400 acre West Dean Estate falls within the newly designated South Downs National Park, the newest National Park in the country.

As a National Park, it has statutory purposes and socio-economic responsibilities both to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public.

For more information, please see the South Downs National Park website here.

Tips for caring for the South Downs National Park

Consider other people
Respect the needs of local people, for example, don’t block gateways or other entry points. When driving, slow down for walkers, horses and livestock and give them plenty of room.

Open Access land
Some small but important areas of the South Downs National Park have a right of Access where you may walk freely without staying on paths. Access land is shown on the website. It is also shown on new OS Explorer maps as are all other Rights of Way.

Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs
Always look for a signpost to show you where you can go – tracks without theses signposts aren’t public Rights of Way.

Leave gates and property as you find them
A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water.

Protect plants and animals
Discover the beauty of the natural environment but remember not to damage or pick wildflowers.

Please keep dogs under close control
It is every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people. By law, you must keep your dog under close control or on a lead. Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs, or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground. Make sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals and people.