Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England was designated in 1966. The designation was revoked in March 2010, together with the neighbouring East Hampshire AONB, upon the establishment of the South Downs National Park [1].
The area of the AONB was largely the same as the portion of the National Park within East and West Sussex, containing the South Downs as well as part of The Weald.[2]
Until the National Park becomes fully operational in April 2011, the South Downs Joint Committee, which unites the management bodies for the two AONBs, will continue to take responsibility for conservation within the Sussex Downs and East Hampshire areas. [3]