YOU'LL BE WILD ABOUT THE SOUTH DOWNS

Friday 1st December 2006

Jo Woods

Dusk is falling and something is stirring in the woods on the Cowdray Estate on the South Downs. The shrill call of birds scolding an approaching intruder heralds the arrival of a young badger.

This nocturnal treat is the highlight in one of a series of guided nature walks offered by the Estate. Nothing beats the high of seeing an elusive wild animal in its natural habitat.

If you enjoy wildlife, brisk walks, beautiful scenery, gourmet pubs and beaches, the South Downs will dazzle you with its rural temptations.

This glorious range of rolling chalk hills stretches for 90 miles across Sussex and into Hampshire and is alive with birds, deer, hares, rabbits, butterflies and wild flowers.

Budding Bill Oddies will find lots of nature reserves to satisfy their enthusiasm for wildlife, while ramblers can attempt walking the South Downs Way, a 100-mile trail that follows the crest of hills from Winchester to Beachy Head near Eastbourne.