An inspiring campaign to ‘renature’ the South Downs National Park and create new wildlife havens has been launched.

It comes as statistics show nature is in crisis; 41 per cent of UK species studied have declined, 133 species are already lost, and about a quarter of mammals are at risk.

Climate change, pollution and habitat loss are part of the cause, and in response, the national park is undertaking its biggest-ever initiative.

The #ReNature campaign aims to raise £100m over ten years to create an extra 13,000 hectares – or around 21,000 football pitches – of habitat for plants and animal.

This would see an area more than three times the size of Portsmouth city (40km2) managed for nature.

National park ecologist Andrew Lee said: “The biodiversity crisis is happening before our eyes, but it’s not too late to turn the tide. Nature can thrive anywhere given the right support and we can work together to make a real difference.

“The national park has a crucial role to play to lead nature recovery and be the hub of a ‘nature network’ for the region.

“Nature needs us now, and we’re launching this campaign as it’s time for all of us to help nature to renature.”

The South Downs has some amazing biodiversity, but even here nature is struggling.

Andrew added: “Nature recovery in the national park is not one big ‘rewilding’ project – it will be achieved through different projects, both large and small, that will create nature recovery.

“Our goal will be achieved by working with our farmers, land managers, communities and local authorities, as well as other partners and environmental charities.

“It will include everything from hedgerow restoration, planting thousands of trees, to the restoration of village ponds, to planting new wildflower corridors.

“Nature recovery will restore, conserve and enhance the magnificent landscapes that make the South Downs so special.”

Individuals, communities, businesses and funders are now being encouraged to help with the fundraising.

For more information about the initiative visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/ReNature