Nick Herbert joins walkers on South Downs

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert joined members of the South Downs Society for a walk on the Downs on Saturday (18 September).

It was one of eight walks organised by the Society to coincide with its Green Travel Week which runs from 18th to 25th September.

The walks are designed to be accessible from public transport and Saturday's event began at the railway station in Hassocks.

Amongst the highlights of the 11 mile "Windmills Walk" were the Jack and Jill Windmills, Ditchling Beacon, Wellhouse Farm and Oldlands Windmill.

Mr Herbert joined the early part of the walk before breaking off to attend the West Grinstead Ploughing Match.

The South Downs Society, formed in 1923 to help preserve the beauty of the Downs, organises around 300 walks each year for members and non-members alike.

South Downs Society Director Jacquetta Fewster said: "We were delighted to welcome Nick to our Green Travel Week Walk and explore with him some of the stunning places it's easy to reach from Hassocks Station.  So much of our beautiful South Downs landscape is accessible by bus and train and our annual week of public transport walks is a great way to enjoy them."

Nick Herbert commented: "It was great to get up onto the South Downs on Saturday, especially as it was a beautiful day, and the views from the Jack and Jill Windmills were outstanding.  We're so lucky in this part of the world to have the Downs right on our doorstep."

Mr Herbert added: "I think these walks are a great way to promote access to the South Downs.  Most of the people on the walk travelled to Hassocks by train rather than by car, so it was a truly green event."

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Notes for Editors

1. For the website of the South Downs Society, visit http://www.southdownssociety.org.uk/.