Find out more about the South Downs National Park Authority’s responsibilities
Over 40% of Brighton & Hove is in the national park - the park boundary can be seen on our map (PDF 4.25MB)
From 1 April 2011, the South Downs National Park Authority has been responsible for
In the national park, Brighton & Hove City Council continues to be responsible for
Breeze up to the Downs is a network of three bus services linking the city with popular countryside areas within the national park.
The South Downs National Park Authority has a selection of walking trails on the stunning South Downs around Brighton & Hove.
The council has always supported a national park for the South Downs and confirmed this in response to a government consultation early in 2002 along with recommendations for the proposed boundaries.
The council has worked with the new National Park Authority, including Defra, South Downs Joint Committee and the other local authorities, to agree on work functions such as planning and countryside management (for example, rights of way).
The Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was revoked to coincide with the national park coming into being, along with the South Downs Joint Committee (previously responsible for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).