A LANDSCAPE architect with a long-standing passion for the natural environment has been elected the new chairman of the South Downs National Park Authority.

Ian Phillips succeeds Margaret Paren, who had been chairman since the authority’s first meeting in April 2010.

She was one of the early campaigners for the creation of the South Downs National Park and was awarded the OBE in 2012 for services to the environment.

Margaret said: “It has been a great privilege to have been involved with the South Downs National Park since its establishment in 2010. It was born in the midst of austerity and now, in its tenth year, faces the enormous challenges created by Covid-19 and its aftermath.

“I am confident the authority will continue enhancing this wonderful landscape, while offering its full support to the national park communities in this difficult time. I offer the South Downs my heartfelt good wishes for the future.”

Her successor, a chartered landscape architect and town planning consultant, has experience in the local government, environmental, not-for-profit and private sectors and was a national appointment to the authority in 2013 and elected deputy chair last year.

Ian said: “Margaret has left an enduring legacy, and on behalf of the authority I thank her for the energy and enthusiasm that has helped shape England’s youngest protected landscape.

“It is a real privilege to help shape the park’s progress as part of such a highly-motivated and enthusiastic organisation of staff and members. I look forward to working with the park’s many supporters and friends.”

Growing up in Brighton, he explored the South Downs and this was a major influence in his becoming a landscape architect.

He is passionate about connecting people with the landscape and sees the vital role the national park plays at the heart of the green infrastructure of the south east.

He lives in Farnham with his wife and twin daughters and enjoys photography, interesting food and travelling.

Ian added: “I want to progress the vision of a ‘People’s Park’ by working with our communities and engaging with new audiences.

“The South Downs is a living, changing landscape and I see our role as helping to manage the inevitable changes that will affect this precious landscape, so the new is as highly valued as the traditional.”