Benefits – Cultural
Link to an Arts and Culture Vision
The Cultural Heritage that exists in the South Downs, and the Adur Valley in particular, is a mix of: archaeology, buildings, ancient monuments, historic battlefields, artistic and literary maturity, country crafts and livelihoods, the landscape, geodiversity and biodiversity.
However, and most importantly, it is the mix of culturally diverse settlements that over time have influenced and moulded this wonderful landscape. Without the development of thriving settlements, the blending and design of architecture, the patterns of life, the sense of place and the conservation of habitat alongside farming, the traditional country skills would not have flourished and developed into the form that we can now call Cultural Heritage.
It is the belief of the South Down Project that this heritage can be both conserved and added to, if new settlements are sensitively developed to bring fresh and contemporary vitality to the area.
The South Downs National Park Authority is already working with English Heritage, Natural England, Local Authorities, Voluntary Groups and Trusts, Museums, Country House and Estate owners, the National Trust and other heritage attractions, to find the best way of conserving, managing and enjoying the cultural heritage of the area.
It is the intention of the South Down Project to also work alongside the National Park to deliver a range of new cultural benefits to the Park, by designing and implementing a number of innovations in education, arts and culture in the chalk pit site that will help the Park to create the cultural heritage of the future.
The South Down Project is already working with a number of individuals and institutions to deliver innovative cultural gain to the site.
This includes a brand new art gallery area, which would uniquely bring together the best in international art, a high-end retail offering, and local artists, craftsmen and makers.
