A National Park Partnership Management Plan
Have your say today!
National Parks have two purposes:
- To conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
- To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the parks
Like many of the most beloved institutions our country values, their establishment came as part of a movement in a post-war climate to support social recovery through access to culture, beauty and care. Their designation enabled access to spaces that nourish and enrich physically and spiritually, while protecting wildlife, heritage and beauty. They were born from a social movement.
The South Downs National Park Authority is currently consulting on a draft Partnership Management Plan (PMP), an overarching five year strategy that brings together the aims and ambitions of all partners working to increase the conservation, beauty and understanding of this protected landscape, so that together we can leave a rich, vibrant, productive haven for wildlife and for people as a legacy for the next generation.
So why does this matter to heritage partners, the creative sectors and cultural bodies? It matters because you are communicators. You go beyond the facts and figures to reach emotion and create connection. The only way we can make a difference together is by creating custodianship, care and relevance for the future. Archaeologists, artists, makers, producers, museums, writers, you all act as a voice, creating space to contemplate and connect, and we recognise that landscape is both muse and home for you, your work and practice. We share many of your priorities around social responsibility, connection, environmental sustainability, thriving communities, visibility and belonging.
Like you, we face resource challenges, with reducing budgets and modest resource. The PMP recognises that, in this current climate more than ever, we can achieve more together than apart.
We’d like to see a strong voice for culture and heritage in Hampshire coming through in this consultation. If you can give time, we’d love to hear from you. To find the draft PMP, you can visit the South Downs National Park website here, where you’ll be able to access the link to answer the consultation survey either for your organisation, or as an individual.
Asks:
- How do the aims and objectives align with your existing plans and strategies – any gaps?
- Would you consider formally endorsing the plan in your organisation and providing a quote for the plan and perhaps a logo?
- How can we elevate what we work on together over the next five years to have an impact on the aims by 2031?
- Would you consider being part of a delivery partnership celebrating and collaborating on delivery over the next five years?
We’d particularly like to hear your feedback on the above, and if you are an existing partner or individual who has worked collaboratively with us, or value the PMP as a means of working in parallel with us in the future, please email managementplan@southdowns.gov.uk and endorse the PMP, providing your logo.
This plan is for everyone.
The deadline to complete the consultation is 1 August 2025.
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