The creation of the South Downs National Park is a victory for campaign groups across the South of England. But success has brought with it new problems, and the South Downs Society (SDS), only just relaxing after such a big win, now has to gear up for yet another campaign.

At weekends and on sunny days, the favoured areas of the Downs are already choked with cars and, with their newfound National Park status, the beauty spots are likely to become more popular than ever.

This is the reason the SDS is launching a new campaign, The Travel Plan, to highlight and promote sustainable transport options to the hills and back, saving on polluting car journeys and paving the way for a return to the traditional tranquillity of the area.

Brenda Mann, from the South Downs Society, says: “Our raison d’etre is to conserve and enhance the South Downs, and the aim of the plan is to reduce our impact on the area and to promote greener, cleaner travel choices.”

Ditchling Beacon, Birling Gap, Devil’s Dyke and Arundel are all easily accessible by bus (the 79, 13, 77 and Stagecoach 700 Coastliner, respectively), and the society is keen to avoid increased popularity bringing with it pollution and pressure for wider roads, bigger car parks and more development.

Despite this being the biggest concern for members, according to their 2006 survey, Brenda is quick to point out the Travel Plan is not inherently anti-car. “The approach is positive. It recognises public transport is not always easy or possible for everyone. But we do aim to encourage and support the use of sustainable transport wherever feasible.”

Taking a lead in the action, the plan covers three areas to allow society staff, volunteers and members of the society to show the public how it can be done. To begin with, Brenda says: “Where possible, staff will be supported in their efforts to use sustainable transport by such strategies as flexible working patterns and home working.”

Next, the SDS intends to ensure all their outings and meetings are accessible by public transport and held at times when the over-60s are able to use their bus passes.

Finally, it is estimated the Walks And Strolls programme generates the most car miles, and to counter this walk leaders across the county are being encouraged to include public transport details when publicising their events, and to ask drivers to car share where possible.

To kickstart the whole thing, beginning today and ending Saturday, September 5, is Green Travel Week. Brenda says: “To show it can be done, all the society’s walks and strolls will be accessible by public transport. Yes, there will be car parks nearby as well!

“Even more adventurously, we hope everyone will try to join in the national Car-free Day on September 22, when all are encouraged to leave the car behind and catch the bus or train, or jump on a bike!”

*Find out more about the travel plan, or the programme for Green Travel Week by calling 01798 875073 or visiting www.southdownssociety.org.uk