ALMOST £2 million will be invested in a beauty spot to improve wildlife habitats after a transfer of ownership.

The South Downs National Park Authority will take over the management of the Seven Sisters Country Park from East Sussex County Council, with the transfer expected in the spring.

The legal process for the transfer can begin after approval was given by the the Department of Food Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The South Downs National Park Authority, a public body which is funded by government, has already pledged to invest £1.9 million to improve the habitat and visitor facility at the 280-hectare site.

Councillors approved terms for the transfer back in January, subject to the deal being approved by the secretary of state.

Parish councillor for Cuckmere Valley Vanessa Rowlands said the deal was viewed as a positive step as it would “keep the park in public hands” and “conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area”.

Trevor Beattie, chief executive for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “We’re pleased the government has given the green light to our bid and the legal process can now begin to transfer ownership.

“Seven Sisters Country Park is an iconic site of international importance and we’re looking forward to getting started on our vision of creating an outstanding habitat and world-class visitor experience that together do justice to the landscape and location.

“We’re grateful to East Sussex County Council for working with us to ensure the future of this important site.”

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “We’re delighted to have been given approval to transfer the iconic Seven Sisters Country Park to an organisation with a great track record of conservation and safeguarding public access to the countryside.

“Protecting our countryside sites for future generations is a top priority and the decision to transfer ownership was not one we took lightly. We are confident the South Downs National Park Authority is better placed to manage and improve this site.”

The Seven Sisters Country Park is one of four sites the county council has agreed to transfer to not-for-profit organisations. Newhaven Town Council is due to take on the freehold of Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve and the lease for Riverside Park next year, while discussions about the management of Ditchling Common Country Park are ongoing.