South Downs: Citizens' Panel To Shape The Park's Future

Tuesday, 15 September 2020 16:12

By John Warburton @Warblefly

The South Downs National Park near Firle Beacon (Photo: © John Warburton)

The South Downs National Park Authority wants people in Sussex to join its Citizens' Panel, to help shape its future.

The National Park Authority called its request a "major recruitment drive" for volunteers to join what it termed an "important community-based panel made up of people living in or near the National Park".

Since 2017, officials said, hundreds of people have joined the panel and work with the National Park Authority on key issues around activities, events, volunteering, campaigns and community work.

They added that the panel helps to determine what issues are important to residents and what the Authority and partners can do to improve peoples' health and well-being.

Tanya Hibberd, Performance and Research Lead for the South Downs National Park, said:

"This is a volunteering opportunity of a different kind for the National Park - and one that is a great chance to have a big impact for just a small commitment.

"We're really keen to hear from people who want to help make a difference and have their say on a range of issues affecting the National Park.

"We've seen the importance of the National Park as a green asset and the region's "breathing space" increase during the pandemic and that means the work of the panel is more vital than ever."

National Park staff said the commitment from panel members is small — there's a request to take part in two online surveys a year.

Members might also be invited to take part in one-off smaller surveys or focus groups.

There is a prize draw entry to win £50 for each survey completed.

Panel members also a receive a newsletter with updates about the National Park twice a year.

The sign-up deadline is September 30.

People living in the following postcodes are eligible to apply: BN, GU, PO, RH or SO.

Tanya added:

"The Citizens Panel is a really important touchstone for our work and will help to steer our priorities moving forward.

"We've had great feedback from existing panel members who find it a very rewarding volunteering role and one they can do from the comfort of their home."

She continued:

"The results of our Citizens Panel surveys help to shape our work strategies by helping us find out what's important to local people and how we can make it a National Park for all."

The link for potential applicants to follow is https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=159523627865