AN opportunity has come up to help shape the future of the National Park and make it an even better place for everyone.

The National Park Authority is launching a major recruitment drive for volunteers to join the Citizens Panel – an important community-based panel made up of people living in or near the National Park.

Since 2017, hundreds of people have joined the panel and work with the National Park Authority on key issues around activities, events, volunteering, campaigns and community work. The panel helps to determine what issues are important to residents and what the Authority and partners can do to improve peoples’ health and well-being.

Tanya Hibberd, Performance and Research Lead for the South Downs National Park, said: “This is a volunteering opportunity of a different kind for the National Park – and one that is a great chance to have a big impact for just a small commitment!

“We’re really keen to hear from people who want to help make a difference and have their say on a range of issues affecting the National Park. We’ve seen the importance of the National Park as a green asset and the region’s “breathing space” increase during the pandemic and that means the work of the panel is more vital than ever.”

The commitment from panel members is small – simply take part in two online surveys a year and they may also be invited to take part in one-off smaller surveys or focus groups. There is a prize draw entry to win £50 for each survey completed. Panel members also a receive a newsletter with updates about the National Park twice a year.

People are now being invited to sign up to the panel (please note panel members must live in postcodes BN, GU, PO, RH or SO) by the deadline of 30 September.

Tanya added: “The Citizens Panel is a really important touchstone for our work and will help to steer our priorities moving forward. We’ve had great feedback from existing panel members who find it a very rewarding volunteering role and one they can do from the comfort of their home.”