About the Project
During the spring and summer of 2022, I met, interviewed and photographed people from all walks of life about their unique and personal connections to the South Downs National Park as part of my New Perspectives project "Portrait of the South Downs." I visited and explored areas including: Lewes, Litlington, Arundel, Shoreham-by-Sea, Steyning, Chanctonbury, Stanmore Park, Seven Sisters Country Park, Ditchling, Wilmington, Jevington, Saltdean, Rottingdean and Alfriston,
Prior to the project, I spent many years exploring the South Downs, it’s a place I often return to - seeking inspiration, solace and wonder. The downs feel like a spiritual homecoming and continues to offers me peace, grounding and space when I most need it. I wanted to learn about others’ relationship to the landscape and all that it encompasses.
Due to certain limitations, I focused mainly on sharing stories in the East Sussex part of the South Downs. It was such a joy and honour to learn about others’ connections to this landscape. Many of the extraodinary individuals I met by chance while out walking, individuals who shared their stories with me - aren’t featured in this project. Some view the South Downs as a friend - assisting in their recovery and healing journeys - others seek creative inspiration from the nature that spreads and changes. Through this project I met artists, students, climate activists, dog-walkers and wanderers.
Thank you so much to everyone who spoke to me, shared their stories and spaces - and took me on journey (real and imaginary). The best part of this project, was making connections with so many wonderful inspirational people and I’m so grateful for that.
I’m especially grateful to Anooshka Rawden at the South Downs National Park Authority for her ongoing support - and for making this project possible. I’d also like to thank Laura Williams at Campaign for National Parks for her patience.
A special thank you also to Writing Our Legacy and to Alinah Azadeh and Amy Zamarripa Solis for inviting me to come along to a very special writers residency – and for all the amazing work they do.
Saira Niazi
Click here to visit my website for information on other creative projects and upcoming public tours.
Q&A with Campaign for National Parks
Why did you apply for the New Perspectives bursary?
I’ve always felt drawn to the South Downs National Park. Over the years, I have embarked on countless solo wanderings across the landscape. I applied for the New Perspectives bursary as I really wanted an opportunity to better understand other people’s connection to the landscape – especially those from diverse backgrounds.
Much of my work centres around connecting people and places through story. I felt the New Perspectives bursary would enable me to do this in the context of a landscape I enjoy and feel strongly about.
How did you come up with your idea and was there anything else you wanted to do/ cover?
I’ve always loved exploring hidden gems and unearthing the stories that surround them. My creative practise combines photography and writing – I felt ‘Portrait of the South Downs’ would be an ideal project to allow me to do the things I most enjoy; explore hidden gems, connect with others and tell stories.
Whilst working on the project, I was very fortunate to have been granted funding from the South Downs National Park to lead on a separate project that sought to engage people from urban areas and to open up the South Downs to them through a series of Community Wanderings. As part of the project, I designed and delivered four wandering tours in different part of South Downs. The tours aimed to give people who hadn’t visited the National Park, a chance to explore its hidden gems, to form their own connection to the landscape and to creative new friendships.
Through my Portraits project, I was able to share the stories and learnings that came out of both projects.
What's been the best thing about the scheme? Is there anything significant you've learned?
The scheme gave me the gift of time – time to learn, wander and ideate. I loved forming joyous connections with the people I walked with, interviewed, and photographed. It was also really nice to see the work of other winners – each project is so varied and important. The others on the cohort were really lovely!
I really appreciated the support given by the staff at the South Downs National Park and Campaign for National Parks. Anooshka Rawden and Laura Williams were so encouraging and generous with their time and feedback.
What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for a future New Perspectives bursary?
I’d say, go for it! It’s a great opportunity and will allow for you to explore your interests and creativity in the context of a landscape you feel connected to.
What do National Parks mean to you?
National Parks mean a great deal to me – they’re places that I often escape to and seek solace in. Having lived in London most of my life, I really enjoy the freedom that comes with traversing and exploring National Parks and being close to nature. I love the New Forest, Lake District and Norfolk Broads.
The South Downs National Park in particular has always been a place I’ve enjoyed visiting, it’s close proximity to London and excellent transport links makes it easily accessible. As a writer it also provides me much inspiration – as well as the space to think.
What do you think needs to be done to improve National Parks?
I think led walks, festivals, events, and cultural activities are a great way in for people! A programme of these across the National Parks would be really welcome! As someone who doesn’t drive, good transport links and clear guidance on how to access National Parks is also really important.
What are you most proud of about your film/content?
I really like the photographs. I wasn’t sure about using a black and white filter for them, but I love how they turned out. I think the monotone hues give the photographs an ethereal yet timeless quality. I hoped it would signal a kind of continuity and longing that reflects the individual’s relationship to the land. I hoped it would also evoke a sense of rootedness and belonging; the land belongs to us all – it connects us.
Any stories from creating your content you'd like to share?
So many! Many of them have been included in the project – through audio, film, photography and words.
What next for you?
I’m currently working as Community Stories lead at Slow Ways. As part of my role, I seek to write, share and commission stories rooted in place and to shine light on narratives that have largely remained in the dark.
In September, I’ll be starting an MA in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths. I’m really keen on further developing my writing skills. In the future, I’d love to establish up my own school of place-writing/ place-based storytelling.
I’d like also to continue tour guiding; I believe there is real value to enabling people to explore places they consider are ‘not for them.’ It brings me a lot of joy.
