Seventy-five schools will be given grants to create nature-friendly areas as part of an anniversary celebration.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the South Downs National Park on December 16, the park is providing schools with grants.

Schools in the park and nearby areas can apply for the "ReNature Grants," which offer up to £1,000 per school.

These grants can be used for projects like planting wildflower meadows, trees, digging ponds, building bee hotels, installing bird boxes, and creating allotments.

This move is part of the park’s ongoing ReNature campaign, which aims to combat biodiversity loss by establishing new wildlife havens across the region.

Siôn McGeever, chief executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: "Seventy five years on since their creation, National Parks continue to welcome, inspire and reinvigorate people of all ages, while becoming hubs for the nation’s nature and climate ambitions.

"Young people need access to nature more than ever before, not only because they are the future custodians of our planet, but also because outdoor learning brings so many benefits to their health and wellbeing. Ultimately, we want nature to be everywhere for everyone and this new scheme is another step towards that goal.

"Young people can play such an important role in helping biodiversity bounce back and I’m excited to see the new wildlife havens that are created by this inspiring initiative."

Earlier this year, the park also introduced a new immersive film trail along the South Downs Way to commemorate its 75th anniversary.

The "Your National Park" trail celebrates local heroes and their connections to the landscape.

The funding for the grants is being equally provided by the National Park Authority and the South Downs National Park Trust, the park’s official charity.

Applications for the grants are open until July 1, and they will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

The South Downs National Park was formed to provide a place where people and nature could come together, bringing hope and joy to a nation scarred by war.

Now, it continues to foster this mission by encouraging schools to create more wildlife-friendly spaces.