Steyning Herald Published Date: 23 January 2009
Youngsters from Steyning are helping to improve the habitat of wild flowers and insects on the Downs. Each week, groups of 30 youngsters spend the day clearing an area of scrub and sapling trees to return it to chalk grassland as part of the Steyning Downland Scheme. Christine Humphreys, from Steyning Grammar School, said: "The Steyning Downland Scheme is a large project that aims to preserve and enhance a particularly beautiful area, while improving access and leisure facilities for local people." The Steyning Downland Scheme, run by Rick Goring, of the Wiston Estate, is working closely with the South Downs joint committee responsible for maintaining areas of outstanding natural beauty. By the end of the project, about 400 children will have helped to improve the countryside and provided an important habitat for native wild flowers and insects.