Calls for donations to help repair South Downs National Park trail

The 99-mile South Downs Way route, which runs from Winchester, through Waterlooville and Eastbourne, is in need of mending.

The park authority is asking people who walk, cycle and ride along the trail to help raise £120,000.

Andy Gattiker, South Downs Way trail officer, said: ‘We know how much people love the South Downs Way.

‘They share glorious photos and stories with us every day – now we’re asking for their help to mend it.

‘Fifteen thousand pairs of boots, 10,000 tyres and 800 hooves travelling the length of the trail each year cause a lot of wear and tear.

‘Our existing funding allows us to make most repairs but there are a number of significant projects which, because they are on more remote sections of the path, are too expensive to tackle using existing funds.’

For more information or to donate to the Mend Our Way project, visit southdowns.gov.uk/mendourway.