Groups with links to the South Downs were today invited to become involved in planning their future.
The new South Downs Joint Committee wants organisations representing people who live and work on the Downs to join its new forum.
The South Downs Forum will be open to councils and conservational, cultural and recreational groups.
The South Downs Joint Committee replaced the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and East Hampshire Joint Advisory Committee in July.
Chairman Lord Renton said: "The management teams of the Sussex and Hampshire downs have been united in the new South Downs Joint Committee.
"It now makes sense to establish the forum which will ensure we interact with the broad range of agencies and groups that have an interest in the ongoing care and enhancement of the South Downs.
"The forum will become a sounding board for the future of this special place."
A decision on whether the South Downs should be made into a National Park is expected by the end of the year.
Details at www.vic.org.uk.
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