Nestled within the heart of Southern England, is a landscape steeped in history, culture and geological marvel. The South Downs offers one of the most accurate glimpses into the history of Southern England. The landscape consisting of iconic chalk cliffs, rolling hills and steep valleys, reveals an outstanding geological narrative dating back 145 million years. Thus, making this magnificent landscape a silent storyteller of tales well before we were able to enjoy the amazing scenery.
At the epicenter of the South Downs, lies its iconic feature – chalk. As a sedimentary rock type, this has been formed through millions of years of deposition. This mostly consists of the minute remains of sea creatures that have been squeezed together through extreme heat and pressure. This has provided the region with the amazing and iconic backdrops that can be seen at Beachy Head and along the Seven Sisters. Even Mr Bond felt the need to visit the chalk cliffs in ‘A View to a Kill’. Within the composition of these cliffs, tiny sea creatures became embedded and fossilized within the rock, highlighting the stage at which the region formed the sea bed. This in turn has made the landscape a haven for fossil enthusiasts – with each of these creatures having their own story to tell.
Aside from the chalk cliffs, the South Downs is fantastically known for its deep cut valleys and rolling hills. These have been calved out by previous ice ages and rivers, making these areas safe havens for a wide variety of species. Rare plant species, such as Orchids thrive off the chalk and shelter of the hills. Not only this, but the steep hills have provided a fantastic vantage point for strategic defenses. These date from the Iron age with a number of Celtic forts, as seen at Cissbury ring in Worthing, to World War Two, with ‘dragon-teeth’ defenses being located around the Seven Sisters.
The South Downs is not only a landscape, it’s a testament to the history of Southern England. It gives us a unique opportunity to explore this deep rooted culture in one of its rawest forms, with every step revealing a new chapter. Come and join us as we delve into the ancient stories this magnificent landscape has to offer!
