With chalk grassland, heathland, ancient woodland and internationally important wetlands, Arundel and South Downs is a large, rural constituency containing some of the most important wildlife sites in West Sussex. You can download the Arundel and South Downs Constituency Map to look more closely.

We want the next government to commit to our top 5 priorities for action on nature. Here are some local examples of the importance of these priorities in your constituency. 

Bring Back our Lost Wildlife

The variety of habitats means there is great potential to bring back iconic species such as Beaver and Pine Marten in this constituency. Beavers are nature’s finest ‘wetland engineers’. Returning beavers to the wild can be a game changer for restoring lost wetlands and benefitting all kinds of wildlife. Moreover, beavers can help to reduce the risk of wildfires and flooding which threaten people’s homes.

End River Pollution and Water Scarcity

The River Arun is the longest river to sit entirely within Sussex. It was once an important cargo route transporting materials down to Littlehampton and now is known for its important wetland and as a place for leisure. Evidence has shown that water abstraction for drinking water supplies is having a negative impact on the wildlife sites in the Arun Valley. One way of preventing any further negative impact is to ensure that all new development which takes place is water neutral i.e. does not increase the rate of water abstraction for drinking water supplies above existing levels. Whilst water neutrality is seen as red tape by some, the Sussex Wildlife Trust asks why all development shouldn’t be a sustainable as possible and adhere to water neutrality?

Enable Healthy Communities

Access to a clean and healthy environment is a basic human right that should be guaranteed through law. Improving access to natural, wildlife-rich places where we live, learn and work will transform people’s lives, improving health, happiness, and hope across communities. Wilder Horsham District is a pioneering partnership project between Sussex Wildlife Trust and Horsham District Council, working with local communities and landowners to reverse the decline in wildlife by creating and connecting habitats to deliver nature’s recovery.

Sussex Wildlife Trust members in this constituency: 3,310

Tell your election candidates you care about nature - we've set up a simple email action to help you contact all your election candidates and let them know why nature matters to you. Thank you for your support!