A Digital Exhibition
Species Stories
A creative exploration of the iconic species of the South Downs National Park, bringing to life people’s stories, reflections and imaginations.
© Jen Fellows
Introduction to the project
The incredible landscape of the South Downs National Park has inspired stories for thousands of years, with generations of people moved by its beauty, biodiversity and heritage. At the heart of the South Downs story are species – the amazing birds, bees, butterflies and bats that have survived for millennia.
Species Stories explores the fascinating connection between these extraordinary animals and humans, reminding us all that we are ultimately part of nature and our stories are intertwined. That enduring bond is brought to life and unpacked by a range of new voices, bringing a fresh perspective on what South Downs nature means amid the unprecedented challenges it faces.
This amazing collection of stories, poems, art and digital work has been produced by talented writers and artists from black and ethnically diverse backgrounds, as well as children and young people from across the National Park. It forms part of our wider goal to connect everyone with nature and inspire the telling of stories old and the creation of stories new.
In partnership with...
The SCHOOLS Competition
Young Voices of the South Downs
As part of this project, we launched a schools writing competition that invited children to respond to the natural world through creative writing. Using writing prompts and learning resources created by writer Gemma Weekes and inspired by the eight Species Stories, pupils produced imaginative pieces exploring their own connections with nature.
The winning schools were awarded a Pollination Station, installed by Sussex Green Living, as well as a School Travel Grant, a book, and Species ID Guides. The independent winner also received a book prize for their outstanding submission.
