In a disturbing incident at the South Downs National Park, authorities are investigating the theft of 13 plaques linked to poems by writers of diverse backgrounds. The crime, which occurred around August 29, 2024, is being treated as racially motivated by Sussex Police.
The South Downs National Park, established in 2010, spans 1,627 square kilometers across Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex. Known for its chalk hills and rich biodiversity, the park is home to over 600 scheduled monuments and 18 species of orchids, some rare in the UK.
The stolen plaques were part of the "We Hear You Now" trail, unveiled in 2023. This initiative aimed to celebrate the voices of writers from global heritage and their connection to the landscape. The trail, stretching along the Sussex Heritage Coast from Seaford to Eastbourne, featured QR codes linking to stories and poems.
Tim Slaney, interim chief executive of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), expressed his dismay: "This is a deeply shocking and appalling crime. We stand in full solidarity with the writers who put their hearts and souls into this project."
The SDNPA emphasized its commitment to inclusivity, stating that the park is for all and will continue to celebrate diverse voices. This aligns with the park's broader mission of conservation and public engagement, which includes managing over 3,300 kilometers of rights of way and two International Dark Sky Reserves.
Sergeant Tom Carter of the Sussex Police rural crime team condemned the act: "The fact that someone chose to steal plaques from this particular trail is a detestable act that deprives others of the enjoyment of these incredible works."
The theft method involved using a screwdriver to remove the plaques, with the screws then replaced in the posts. This targeted approach, focusing solely on the diverse writers' plaques, has led authorities to treat it as a hate crime.
The "We Hear You Now" project, funded by the SDNPA and Arts Council England, was led by Alinah Azadeh. It aimed to create a legacy for minoritized voices and perspectives on the Sussex coastal landscape, which includes famous features like the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and the Long Man of Wilmington hill figure.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of the South Downs' rich history, dating back to prehistoric times with evidence of Neolithic flint mines. The park, home to rare species like the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, attracts millions of visitors annually, with an estimated 2 million people living within 5 kilometers of its boundaries.
Police are urging anyone with information about the theft to come forward. Sergeant Carter emphasized, "There is absolutely no place for racism or hate crime in Sussex, and anyone found to commit offences can expect to be dealt with robustly."
As the investigation continues, the SDNPA reaffirms its dedication to preserving both the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the South Downs, a landscape formed over 60 million years ago and now at the center of a modern struggle for inclusivity and respect.
"We are a National Park for all and will continue to celebrate the voices of everybody, and embrace the full spectrum of all our communities as we work together to tackle the nature and climate crises that are impacting us all."