COUNTRYSIDE beauty spots including country parks at Ditchling Common and Seven Sisters are to be managed by outside organisations.

East Sussex County Council is looking for organisations with a "background in conservation and working with visitors and the public".

Others areas likely to be affected include Camber Sand Dunes, Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve, Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve, between Newhaven and Seaford, Riverside Park in Newhaven, Shinewater Park in Eastbourne, Weir Wood Local Nature Reserve in the Ashdown Forest.

The plan was drawn up following a survey of the public and other groups, which looked at how the county’s 2,000 miles of rights of way and ten countryside sites are used, and other research into how they are used and how effectively they are managed.

All sites would remain open and accessible to the public and the council insists any transfer of sites would be subject to strict conditions over their use.

The changes would lead to increased community involvement in managing the sites and help people to improve their health, through exercise in green open spaces, the council said.

Councillor Carl Maynard, lead member for transport and environment, said: "Our county is blessed with stunning natural beauty which is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

"It’s important that we ensure our public rights of way and countryside sites are managed as effectively as possible, to ensure they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

"We will be looking closely at the proposals before starting the consultation, and any final decision will only be made once people have had a chance to have their say."

The county’s footpaths, byways and bridleways would continue to be managed by the county council after research found this approach worked well and offered good value for money.