A Winchester life

A day in the life of a South Downs National Park Ranger

The original concept of the South Downs was to maintain and enhance a green space of high quality landscape between London and the South coast urban developments. This vision, conceived in the 1930s, is undeniably increasingly relevant today, not least to those who spend 39 million visitor days each year in the stretch of land from Winchester to Beachy Head. To mark the first year of the South Down’s National Park’s official designation, we spoke to Nick Heasman, Hampshire’s area manager for the South Downs National Park, about the land, his day-to-day role in it and the legacy that National Park status is hoped to bring.

"I’m usually up for 6.30am with our two small children. I wake to an exceptional view from the bedroom window of the South Downs heading east along the dramatic chalk scarp. Most of the time this tells me how the weather is going to be for the day!

The land is constantly changing and being shaped by man and nature. Farming plays a major role in this landscape and the diversity of land use sets the backdrop - as well as the underlying rocks and soil. Woodland cover in the South Downs is 20% and sometimes feels more in certain locations. This is very high compared to  the other parks, mind you it is a big area, the third largest National Park in England roughly four times the size of the Isle of Wight.

I’m the area manager for the Hampshire part of the South Downs, effectively 34% of the National Park. I manage a team who deliver the purposes of the protected landscape. My role is to lead countryside management activities, working with organisations and individuals and enabling community participation in a range of projects aimed at conservation and appreciation of the countryside.

I’d have to say my favourite aspect is the Meon Valley, particularly viewed from the top of Old Winchester Hill. The mighty Meon, although small, is perfectly formed and has spent thousands of years carving the valley. Old Winchester Hill has so much to offer, not just the views but the hill fort and burial mounds which remind you that
this area has been settled for over 6,000 years. In the summer, with the noise of turtle doves or skylark in your ears, or on a sharp frosty morning, this place has a real atmosphere which resonates over the Valley.

If I’m in the area, then there’s a favourite bridge of mine that crosses the River Itchen. Perched from there whilst having your lunch, you can see dragonfly hunting over the water, grayling and brown trout below and the occasional dart of the kingfisher - a magical spot for a sarnie.

A few essential items are vital for my work - a set of binoculars, a camera and a set of ordnance survey maps for the area covered in my notes. I also carry a type of folding saw called a silky saw which is a superb tool for tree pruning.

I never get lonely; in fact you’re never really alone in the Downs - there is so much of man’s past and present activity around you. I was lucky enough to be involved in the archaeological dig of a Saxon burial ground we part-funded, it brought the past very close and was the missing jigsaw piece in understanding the evolution of a downland community. The oldest living member of the village came to meet the oldest known remains of a villager, it was a moment which brought people together in that community. I grew up in this landscape and it has always been a place of solace and a reassuringly constant backdrop to my life. It provides me with a sense of identity and belonging.

The area has always been open to people, in terms of rights of way and open access sights like St Catherine’s Hill or West Walk, prior to the National Park designation. The status of National Park will certainly raise its profile. The end of the day gives me the opportunity to walk my patient dog and a chance to unwind if I’ve been in the office. Depending on the weather, I aim for somewhere on the Downs for a view which gives a sense of perspective, and lets those niggles of the day disappear; or it’s off to the woods which always have year-round interest whether it’s bluebell, autumn colour, sweeping silver wash fritillaries in the summer or a woodcock in the depth of winter.

People and wildlife need space - we need somewhere to recharge ourselves.The challenge for the South Downs National Park is to build effective partnerships to manage the landscape in a sustainable way within the 21st century; socially, economically and environmentally. It is very much a working landscape and people play an enormous role in its creation and maintenance – I feel privileged to be one of them."