It was the gentle English landscape that inspired William Blake’s “Jerusalem” and the subsequent anthem – but was initially turned down for National Park status.
A determined group led by Robin Crane and Margaret Paren, fought tirelessly to protect this incredible area for the nation and, after a very long battle, the South Downs National Park was finally created in 2010. It could have all been so different but for the campaigners. A fascinating book brings to life the “fight for the South Downs” and is now available from Amazon or Brown Dog Books.