Traced across the countryside the face of the chalk scarp is not a regular slope, but is mostly indented by a variety of shallow scallop-shaped hollows such as here along the stretch west of Devil's Dyke. Photo by David Robinson.

In East Sussex, the chalk is terminated along the coast by impressive cliffs. Photo by Ben du Boulay.

Map showing the boundary of the South Downs National Park.

Beach gravel mostly comprises a mixture of grey and brown flint pebbles. Photo by David Robinson.

The town of Lewes lying in the gap cut through the chalk by the River Ouse. The eastern Downs are divided into distinct blocks by the large valleys of southward-flowing rivers that drain the land to the north. Photo by Ben du Boulay.

A new book by a Sussex geographer explores the geology and scenery of the South Downs National Park, which surrounds the University campus. 

The South Downs National Park, which came into being in 2011, is named after the bold rounded hills that run across East and West Sussex from the coast at Eastbourne in the east, into Hampshire in the west. 

This new illustrated guide by Dr David Robinson looks into the various landforms and geological features of the UK’s newest national park, from the impressive chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters, to the large sandstone sarsens at nearby Stanmer Park, and the pebbles on the beach at Rottingdean. 

Dr Robinson said that the book is based on study and research into the area “by many people over many years”. 

Composed of chalk, the hills of the South Downs are characterised by a steep, generally north-facing slope and a more gently inclined, southerly dip slope dissected by valleys. This can be clearly seen in the East Sussex town of Lewes, which lies in the gap cut through the chalk by the River Ouse. 

He said: “The landscape of the park has been formed over millions of years. Most of the rocks were laid down over 70 million years ago, following which the structure was created by uplift associated with plate tectonics. 

“Looking south from central Sussex, the continuity of the impressive crest of the South Downs is broken by the wide deep valleys of the south flowing Arun, Adur, Ouse and Cuckmere rivers. 

“It is an area that I have come to love and know well since taking up a post in physical geography at the University of Sussex over 40 years ago. 

“I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to share my knowledge and understanding of the geology and scenery of this wonderful landscape by the Sussex Archaeological Society, and their sponsors, in this small book.” 

The book can be bought from the Sussex Archaeological Society for £8.99 (plus £1.60 postage and packaging). 

A number of the photos contained within the book were taken by Dr Robinson and fellow Sussex academic Professor Ben du Boulay. 

It is the third and final book in a series commissioned by the South Downs National Park Authority. The others, on the natural history (co-authored by Dr Rendel Williams, Emeritus Reader in Geography at Sussex) and archaeology of the park, were published in June 2013 and September 2012. All three can be bought for a combined cost of £25 (plus £2.80 p&p).