Hundreds of schoolchildren from across the South will be able to venture into a national park due to a major funding boost.

South Downs National Park has announced the Discover the Downs initiative which aims to bring scores of children into the outdoors.

It is designed to help those who do not have easy access to the countryside, to get out more.

Schools from across Hampshire and Sussex are now being invited to apply for fully-funded visits.

The initiative was made possible by funding from the government as part of Defra’s ongoing support for access to nature.

Since the National Park was created more than 40,000 young people have been able to access learning opportunities in the outdoors (Image: Lewis Watt - South Downs National Park Authority)

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Since the National Park was created in 2010, more than 40,000 young people have been able to access learning opportunities in the park through various grant schemes.

Experienced outdoor learning specialist Gina Mitchell will be helping to deliver Discover the Downs for the South Downs National Park Authority.

Gina said: “As the school term begins, we’re incredibly excited to be starting this initiative to help children discover the South Downs, many of whom will be visiting this amazing landscape for the very first time.

“We’re keen for schools to apply as soon as possible as there’s a limited time window for this funding to be spent and there’s also limited availability, so do not delay your application!”

A water vole spotted in South Downs National Park (Image: Dick Hawkes - South Down National Park Authority)

Activities might include ‘discovery days’ to develop a connection with nature and opportunities to learn about conservation, bushcraft, wild art and natural sciences, all within the surroundings of the national park.

Research has shown that connecting with nature and learning outdoors can benefit children’s mental and physical health, including assisting brain development, increasing attainment, supporting social skills, and reducing anxiety.

Amanda Elmes, learning, outreach and volunteer lead for the national park, said: “Children are the future custodians of everything around us, including precious wildlife and the countryside, and it’s so important that each and every one of them can experience a national park.

“The sad truth is that not all children have access to green space and that’s why initiatives like this are so vital. Being curious about the natural world is a lifelong skill that all children should have the opportunity to develop.”