Tree campaign in South Downs passes 117,000 mark since 2019

The South Downs National Park's Trees for the Downs initiative has seen 117,700 trees planted across 150 sites in Sussex and Hampshire since its launch in late 2019, with a new goal now set to plant at least one million more by 2035.

The campaign has also raised more than £400,000 from donors and public contributions to support large-scale nature restoration across the South East.

Trees in South Downs National Park. (Image: SDNPA)

Nick Heasman, a forester and ecologist at the South Downs National Park Authority, said: "When we launched Trees for the Downs six years ago, we were never quite sure how big it would become.

"The reaction has been nothing short of extraordinary and I think it underlines people’s affection for trees.

"In a tough and uncertain world, trees really are a symbol of hope and restoration and that’s exactly the impact they are having in the South Downs National Park.

"It’s a big moment for us to have reached our target as we celebrate the National Park’s 15th birthday.

"Trees provide clean air for us to breathe, enrich our soils, provide vital habitats for wildlife and are amazing at capturing carbon carbon.

"Trees such as ash and elm have been facing unprecedented threats from diseases, but we’re slowly fighting back.

"It’s wonderful to see elms back in the landscape for future generations."

This winter alone, more than 40,000 new trees are going into the ground as part of the ongoing effort.

Of particular note is the reintroduction of the iconic elm tree, once a staple of the British countryside before being devastated by disease.

A total of 3,500 disease-resistant elms will be planted by the end of this winter, helping to support species such as the White Letter Hairstreak butterfly.

The project includes woodland, civic and community planting, as well as hedging and orchards.

A variety of oxygenating, carbon-storing trees are being planted to provide habitats for birds, mammals and insects.

New trees being planted as part of Trees for the Down Lady Emma Barnard plants a tree in Singleton with children. (Image: Jeff Travis)

The campaign, led by the South Downs Trust, now aims to plant at least one million additional trees by 2035.

Efforts will focus on identifying suitable sites, including areas for new woodland and hedges.

A major study conducted three years ago identified nearly 23,000 hectares as highly suitable for new woodland creation across Sussex and Hampshire’s portion of the National Park.

This area—about five per cent of the total land—could store up to 37,667,500 tonnes of CO₂ over 100 years.

The campaign has been supported by businesses and members of the public.

Among the contributors are Aspinal of London, Boomtown Festival, Jude’s, Southern Co-op, the University of Sussex, and hundreds of individuals.

Recent highlights of the campaign include the planting of more than 2,800 trees to create a new woodland in front of Levin Down in West Sussex.

White Letter Hairstreak Butterfly and bee. (Image: SDNPA/ Tim Squire)

Singleton Primary School will use the site for outdoor learning, and it will also support biodiversity efforts on the Goodwood Estate.

An avenue of disease-resistant elms has been planted at Centenary Park in Peacehaven, serving as a new gateway to the National Park.

Four elm trees have also been planted in Alfriston, East Sussex, as part of the "Elms of the Fallen" project, which commemorates lives lost during the First World War.

Nearly 850 black poplars—an endangered native species—have been planted as part of the Sussex Black Poplar project.

The campaign also helped save a 3,000-year-old yew tree in Farringdon, Hampshire, one of the 10 oldest trees in Britain, by installing a bespoke bracing system to prevent collapse.

Vanessa Rowlands, chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: "This is the most fantastic, inspiring news and shows what National Parks can achieve when we all pull together for nature and climate.

"I’d like to thank each and every organisation and individual who has contributed to this wonderful effort.

"Your support will make a huge difference for decades to come, creating a lasting legacy for the natural environment that everyone can be really proud of."