THE South Downs have won our first ever Joy of Sussex vote.

The rolling hills, lush meadows and dramatic chalk cliffs of the country’s youngest National Park trounced the opposition, having led the vote from the start.

In second place was – controversially – seagulls, with murmurations in third.

But it was the South Downs that came head and shoulders above the rest.

Mike Gilson, editor of The Argus, described them as a worthy winner.

He said: “The response to our first ever Joy of Sussex vote has been fantastic. We have been inundated and you – the readers – have spoken.

“No matter where you live in this wonderful county, you are never far from a cracking country walk, ride or pub lunch.

“We may often take it for granted how lucky we are to have the South Downs on our doorstep, so it is fantastic to take this opportunity to celebrate them.”

It appears the great outdoors and wildlife are high on most readers’ lists, with the top four all coming from the natural world – the fourth being the sea. However, the county’s history and heritage are also clearly much-loved with castles, piers and architecture all making the top ten.

But there is no doubt about the winner.Stretching from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east, the South Downs cover 260 square miles with a staggering 1,127 miles of footpaths.

There’s the history of Amberley, Lewes and Arundel castles, the ancient hill fort at Chanctonbury Ring and the bewildering Long Man of Wilmington.

There are stately homes, more top country pubs then you could ever hope to visit and the prettiest race course in the country at Goodwood.

But perhaps best of all, it is forever changing. In the winter, crisp mornings accentuate bright blues as the frost covers the rolling hills like a prickly blanket.

The spring brings new hope, crops and, of course, thousands of adorable lambs. Summer is a time for wild flowers, hazy sunshine, picnics and the sound of leather against willow as the cricket season enters full swing.

And then there’s the autumn with its browns, yellows and reds.

So well done to the South Downs – long may you continue to bring us joy.

LOVE FOR SEAGULLS

SWOOPING into second place was the humble seagull.

You either love them or hate them – but in Sussex you certainly cannot ignore them.

Despite their notoriety, it appears most in our Joy of Sussex vote have taken the winged scavengers to their hearts. After all, their high pitch squawks are the soundtrack to our county.

And their lack of toilet training always keeps us on our toes when walking along the seafront.

While it seems like they are in great number, the overall breeding population of herring gulls in Britain has declined by 50 per cent in 50 years. 

Why that is, it is not exactly clear, but it is thought it may have something to do with changes in fishing practices reducing food availability.

Whatever the reason, it is clear we need to look after them.

So ingrained in Sussex life, the seagull features on the badge of the county’s football team and if you find yourself at the Amex of a Saturday afternoon the sound of “seeeeeeagulls” will echo around the stands at least half a dozen times.

Yes, they are noisy, yes, they are messy and yes, they occasionally attack, but can you imagine Sussex without them?

SOARING STARLINGS

CONTINUING on the winged theme, murmurations rounded off the top three with a considerable share of the votes.

Although this spectacular natural display can be witnessed in numerous places around the country, there is really only one place to see it: Brighton.

With the haunting skeleton of the West Pier and the English Channel as the backdrop, there is nothing else quite like it.

For those who have never experienced it, imagine the Red Arrows performing their aeronautical tricks in close formation. But instead of nine winged performers, picture a few thousand.

Those in Brighton are treated to the display by starlings in the autumn and winter months.

Usually in the early evening, they take to the sky and swoop, dive and soar as one.

They remain just a matter of inches from each other, not only for protection but also so they can communicate about the best farms to head to for food.

Those that haven’t, what are you waiting for?