OWNERSHIP of the Seven Sisters Country Park has changed hands.

Management of the 280-hectare site has been transferred from East Sussex County Council to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

Completing a negotiation process that started over two years ago, the SDNPA has committed just under £2 million investment to help create a new visitor centre, as well as a long-term goals of improving habitats for wildlife.

SDNPA chief executive Trevor Beattie said the change of ownership marks a new chapter for Seven Sisters.

“We want to build on the work done by East Sussex County Council to create an outstanding habitat and world-class visitor centre that together do justice to the landscape and the location,” he said.

“Our significant initial investment underpins the authority’s long-term plans to conserve and enhance Seven Sisters Country Park, ensuring that it continues to be an iconic, healthy and cherished place for future generations.”

Work began this month on refurbishing the visitor centre, while the toilet facilities have also re-opened.

The SDNPA has a number of other initial long-term plans including better educational signage for the public to understand the history and wildlife, improving habitat plants and animals, having bins available for rubbish and recycling and the appointment of a writer in residence.

Alinah Azadeh will tell stories of and from the landscape until the end of 2022 and will explore Seven Sisters and the wider Sussex Heritage Coast through a series of writer retreats, workshops, podcasts, walks and live events.

The new project is being supported by Arts Council England.

The Argus: Management of Seven Sisters has been transferred from East Sussex County Council to the South Downs National Park Authority Management of Seven Sisters has been transferred from East Sussex County Council to the South Downs National Park Authority

As part of the National Park’s wider goal for nature recovery, there will also be careful landscape management to improve chalk grassland, grazing marsh and wet meadows to improve biodiversity.

Lead member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council councillor Claire Dowling said the transfer is great news for the residents of, and visitors to, East Sussex.

“Protecting our countryside sites for future generations is a top priority for the council and the Authority is an organisation with a great track record of conservation and safeguarding public access to the countryside,” she said.

“I am delighted that the transfer, which ensures this iconic Sussex beauty spot remains in public hands, has been successfully completed.”

The Seven Sisters team are operating an information van seven days a week over the coming months to support visitors to enjoy and care for Seven Sisters.

Peter Cousin, the new commercial manager for Seven Sisters, said: “Everyone we have spoken to have been so positive and supportive of our plans for improving the visitor facilities and also our work to help nature to thrive on the site.”