Background
In 1929 Eastbourne Borough Council, by an Act of Parliament (1926), purchased over 4000 acres of downland, including 4 farms.
This historic event was to protect in perpetuity the farmed landscape from urban development and allowed the public to roam freely and enjoy the unspoilt and uniquely beautiful chalk grassland habitats.
Our Story
In 2017, following a successful local and national campaign to prevent Eastbourne Council’s sale of the town’s downland, the Eastbourne Downland Group came into being.
What We Do
Protect
Downland
Protect
Downland
Protect Eastbourne’s most distinctive amenity for future generations to enjoy.
Photography: Simon Hurt
Health &
Wellbeing
Health &
Wellbeing
Promote and facilitate health,
wellbeing and conservation projects.
Recovery & Enhancement
Recovery & Enhancement
Assist with the recovery and enhancement of the natural landscape, it's cultural heritage
and wildlife.
Collaborate & Contribute
Collaborate & Contribute
Collaborate with and contribute to the policies of principal partners including Eastbourne Borough Council and the South Downs National Park Authority
Raise Awareness
Raise Awareness
Protect Eastbourne’s most distinctive amenity for future generations to enjoy.
Call To Action
Eastbourne’s native flora and fauna have been greatly reduced since the 1920s; there has never been a more urgent time to reverse this trend.
2029 marks the centenary of the purchase of Eastbourne’s downland estate.
Activities by the group (EDG) leading up to this significant year will ensure “The People’s Downs” continue to be restored to good health and are looked after and treasured for forthcoming generations.
About Us
We are an independent group dedicated to supporting Eastbourne Borough Council in looking after its 4,174 acre Downland estate for the benefit of the public, local farmers, wildlife and the environment.
Sally
Boys
Sally Boys
Eastbourne resident and local environmental campaigner Sally is a founding member of the group.
Simon
Boyle
Simon
Boyle
An authority on environmental data, policy and law, Simon is the group’s legal advisor.
Antonia
Lucas
Antonia
Lucas
Antonia is a creative events organiser and former CEO of a charity working in prisons.
Stephen
Poole
Stephen
Poole
Stephen, a tax accountant is an expert on the economics and taxation of UK farming.
Derek
Read
Derek
Read
Formerly an urban planner for the City of London, Derek is the group’s planning expert.
Catherine
Tonge
Catherine
Tonge
A former researcher for Natural England, Catherine is experienced at scrutinising local and neighbourhood plans.
Chris
Walsh
Chris
Walsh
Retired lawyer with expertise in commercial law and asset finance, Chris is the group’s treasurer.
Dr. Tony
Whitbread
Dr. Tony
Whitbread
Former CEO of Sussex Wildlife Trust Tony is a national authority on Woodland issues.
Contact:
Map
Eastbourne’s downland is an area of land at the easternmost end of the South Downs National Park in East Sussex, England.
19 miles (31 km) east of Brighton and 54 miles (87 km) south of London.
View a detailed OS map of the Eastbourne Downland boundary.
Designed by Bobbie Galvin | Managed by Chris Schmidt