South Downs, which covers part of Sussex and Hampshire, has been named a National Park today by the government after a nine-year designation process.

Huw Irranca-Davies, minister of the natural and marine environment, wildlife and rural affairs, confirmed the designation on the condition of modifications, which means the National Park boundary has been extended from that originally proposed by the Countryside Agency – now Natural England – in 2002. Poul Christensen, Natural England’s acting chair, said: “National Park status for the South Downs not only secures its place among England’s finest landscapes, but it’s also great news for its people and its wildlife.

“The South Downs are a critical green lung for the South East, providing millions of people with unparalleled access to open countryside in a way that has incalculable benefits for their health, wellbeing and their appreciation of why the natural environment matters. Coming in the 60th anniversary of the National Park Act, we applaud the decision that has been made today.” The South Downs National Park's fragile chalk and clay landscape is particularly at risk from climate change, increasingly intensive usage of surrounding land and growing demands for new developments due to its heavy population. The announcement means the area will be given the highest level of protection under the planning system.

The process started in April 2000, which the proposed boundary considered in detail at a public inquiry between 10 November 2003 and 18 March 2005. But following changes in the designation process the inquiry was reopened for five months in 2008 before a a final report was submitted in November 2008. As the boundaries have changed, there will be further consultations in respect to the added areas only before they can be confirmed.