“I’ve enjoyed walking in the park for 20 years,” says Jenny Lyon of the Stanmer Preservation Society (SPS).

“The park is very important to the people of Brighton and Hove. It was bequeathed to them and it is very precious. We have on record three generations of families enjoying it.”

This year, the Stanmer Preservation Society turns 40. Set up in 1971, the registered charity does exactly as its name suggests: works to preserve the unique Stanmer village and the surrounding 5,000 acres of parkland.

Over the years, the society, which still boasts some of its founding members, has had many successes, such as the running of Stanmer Rural Museum, planting trees in the wake of the 1987 storm, winning £4,000 of Lottery funding to develop a nature trail, and the active representation of the thousands of park users.

Now they are looking forward to the benefits the South Downs National Park status will bring, hoping it will promote and protect the area, and help people learn to respect what is on offer in the park, village and woodlands.

Jenny says: “It’s the dedication of our members that keeps the village and the park a pleasant and open place for quiet recreation, discovery and participation in heritage and rural life. I joined SPS because they are truly committed to protecting and promoting the park and village so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come. It is a very active and friendly society.”

Up until now, Jenny has had no specific role within the society but her latest project is leading the Save Stanmer’s Footpaths campaign, to keep the footpath which runs through the gardens of Stanmer House open.

In February this year, planning permission was given for the current lease-holders of the Grade I-listed building to build a 1.8m fence around the gardens, with the application documents saying they would also be seeking to change public access requirements – a measure which would prevent park users from using the popular space. Through her work with the campaign, Jenny has seen that people enjoy the park in many different ways: as a beautiful setting for walking and riding, as a friendly place where people meet and get to know each other, where families gather, play outdoors and enjoy sunny weekends.

Older people enjoy the village, cafe and church, while parents bring their preschool children to play, explore and learn.

She says: “For me it is a place of peace and tranquillity, a refuge from urban life.

Historically, it was known as ‘the lung of Brighton’ and I think this is still the case, both physically and psychologically. People arrive harrassed and leave renewed.”

So why are public open spaces so important? Jenny says: “People are increasingly out of touch with nature and it is wonderful to see people of all ages outdoors in the countryside enjoying free and natural pleasures.

“People are clearly happy in the park because they are away from the commercialism of everyday life, free from pressure, crowds, competition, cars and noise.”

The Stanmer Preservation Society is open to new members, visit www.stanmer.org.uk