New research includes aerial imagery charting hundreds of South Downs archaeological sites from the Neolithic era to the Second World War.

Historic England hopes the project will inspire people to explore the heritage of the South Downs

More than 9,500 aerial photographs and airborne laser scans were analyzed by Historic England to identify map markers on the Downs to the north of Brighton.

The findings encompass a range of archaeological characteristics, including huge field systems and tiny chalk pits.

They now appear in a fresh paper outlining the region's lengthy history.

An accompanying interactive map invites users to contribute information to describe the present state of the earthworks' appearance or condition and to share personal links to websites.

The project, called Downs from Above, is a component of Changing Chalk, a larger South Downs National Park-focused initiative managed by the National Trust.

According to Tom Foxall, regional director at Historic England, "these archaeological sites contribute to the distinctive character of the South Downs, from the echoes of Neolithic ceremonies to the upheaval of the Second World War.

They have been combined in our brand-new interactive map using archive research and aerial sources.

The ancient burial site is protected as a scheduled monument

The addition of information to the map, according to Historic England's aerial survey principal Matthew Oakey, "should result in a lasting legacy of archaeological investigation of the Downs."

National Trust archaeologist James Brown stated: "Downs from Above has not only enhanced previously-known sites for us, giving us a better understanding of how they relate to each other and overlay each other, revealing a story of how humans have adapted the Downs for their needs.

"This deeper understanding enables our teams on the ground to balance the preservation of nature and heritage to preserve it and celebrate it with our visitors," they say.