THE Secretary of State for the Environment is recruiting two new members to join the South Downs National Park’s governing body.

Applicants have until November 2 to apply for the roles at the UK’s newest national park. Successful applicants will take a strategic role in shaping the future of the South Downs National Park Authority.

Members are expected to commit a minimum of three to four days per month to the work of the national park authority. The role is unpaid but they can claim certain allowances.

The deadline for applications is noon on Monday, November 2, and interviews are expected to take place in January.

For application forms and more details, visit southdowns.gov.uk.

As a national park governing body, the South Downs National Park Authority has statutory purposes and socio-economic responsibilities as specified in the Environment Act of 1995.

It must conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area and promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the park by the public.

Working in partnership with local authorities and other organisations, it is also the duty of the national park authority to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the communities within the national park.