Sussex Exclusive Magazine. Issue 7

Good News
for Weary
Sussex Walkers
Friends of the South Downs has installed more distinctive
benches for the weary walker along the South Downs Way
Many walkers have
told Friends of the
South Downs (FSD)
that there is very
little provision to sit
down and rest along the South Downs
Way, which runs from Winchester to
Eastbourne. Since May 2021, the day
we proudly revealed the first bench at
Saddlescombe, we’ve been funding and
managing an ongoing project to provide
seats at intervals along the entire length of
the iconic route.
The newest additions to this series can
be found at Salt Hill, Tegleaze and
Chanctonbury Ring.
At Salt Hill, our bench installer Nathan
Blatherwick has skilfully carved an owl
from the unique shape of the wood he
has used. South Downs Way walker Lucy
Pitts commented ‘I walked the SDW.
Day 1 was the toughest and at 10k I
decided to have my first stop. It was quite
a remote spot but there was a FSD bench.
It may seem silly ... but it felt really
special. It was at a point I was doubting
my abilities. And there you were. And
it sort of cheered me on. So never
underestimate the power of a bench!’.
At Tegleaze, a bench was installed in
December with the image of a fox. As
Nathan was installing it, FSD walkers
happened to walk by, just in time to lend
a hand!
Now, the seventh oak seat along the
South Downs Way has been installed at
Chanctonbury Ring at the gate to the
Dew Pond. This seat has been provided in
memory of our late Policy Manager, Steve
Ankers, who for 11 years guided our work
on planning.
On this bench, there is a small hidden
carving and Steve’s wife and daughter have
chosen a robin to remind them of him.
Our wood is locally sourced and
comes from the wonderful Northway
Brothers who have a woodyard near
Left: Salt Hill bench
with walker
© Tony Linturn
Right: Salt Hill
Bench with Nathan
Blatherwick and
walking group
Chanctonbury Ring
bench Jan 2024
The robin on bench
in memory of
Steve Ankers
Milland. Their business comes entirely
from recommendations. FSD Trustee
Caroline Douglas, Project Lead, had the
recommendation from the Head Forester
at the Leconfield Estate in Petworth,
home of our Patron Lord Egremont,
where the brothers get their Forest
Stewardship Council approved oak.
Friends of the South Downs benches for
ramblers in need of rest can now be found
at Saddlescombe, Ditchling Beacon,
Salt Hill, Gander Down, Beacon Hill,
Tegleaze and Chanctonbury Ring, so lots
of picnic stop opportunities with a view!
See if you can find the different hidden
carving on each one. To find out more
about the work of the FSD, please visit
us here.
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