How far we’ve come 

Nature: Restoring Chalkland biodiversity 

The chalk grassland of the South Downs makes this area very special. One of the most biodiverse habitats in north-western Europe, it is home to an array of beautiful yet threatened plants and endangered Downland birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. You can find up to 40 different species of flowering plants in just one square metre of chalk grassland – yet this precious habitat has declined by over 80% since the 1950s and continues to be threatened with fragmentation and degradation.      

We committed to improving the species richness and connectivity of the rare chalk grassland, as well as supporting and working with landowners and farmers to enable sustainable management of chalk grassland. 

Since the project began, we have seen some exciting progress, for example, 411 hectares of chalk grassland have been restored or are under improved management for biodiversity – including 60 hectares at Wilding Waterhall (an ex-golf course on the edge of Brighton) and improved grazing on multiple sites across the project area.  At Gayles Farm, a further 50 hectares of ex-arable land has been sown with wildflower seed and herbal ley to support the adjacent chalk grassland.

Three dew ponds have been restored with more in progress and 15 pollinator habitat assessments have been carried out. We have also conducted wildflower seed trials with students at two vineyards and scrub management research on two National Nature Reserves.  

A chalk bank has been installed and planted with wildflowers in Queens Park, Brighton as part of Greening the Cities and a team of volunteer Wildflower Guardians have been helping look after and create new wildflower areas in the city.

The power of a volunteer 

“Despite having lived and worked in Brighton for most of my life it's only since I started volunteering with Changing Chalk that I knew that Chalk Grassland even existed, let alone how amazing it is. I think it is something to be really proud of and the community should be educated and enthused to care for it. I have learned so much through volunteering and coming on the guided walks.”
Creating Connections volunteer  

Over 400 fantastic volunteers have been involved in practical chalk grassland conservation so far – and overall, volunteers have contributed a huge 17,600 hours to Changing Chalk. Each has given their time, skills and passion for the Downs and gained unique and rewarding experiences in return.  

"It has been a pleasure to join this wonderful group, we have all learnt and achieved lots, when you see what we have done it's just amazing. " 
Greening the Cities volunteer 

"Thank you sincerely for making us welcome at Waterhall. Our group had a fantastic two days learning about the project, the history and wildlife. The young people are still talking about it today and genuinely felt a great sense of achievement." 
Waterhall youth volunteer

 

People: Connecting downs and towns 

An important part of Changing Chalk is engaging a wider range of people with the Downs to increase their wellbeing and connection with the landscape. We want local communities to feel that the South Downs are theirs, to care for and enjoy.  We set out to inspire change in ideas and actions and encourage active participation in caring for the Downs and contributing to its long-term future.  

“The most significant day for me was going up to that big hill, wouldn't normally have done that... I’ve really appreciated being here.”  
Growing New Roots participant 

Since 2022 we have directly engaged over 25,000 people in activities across the partnership, including 874 children from socio-economic deprived areas who have attended Farm School across eight local farms, and 43 young people not in education, employment or training engaged in a ‘Countryside Skills’ programme.  

51 people with mental health difficulties have benefitted from 8-week ‘ecotherapy’ programmes on the Downs, and hundreds of local people have attended guided walks and volunteering activities on chalk grassland sites across the project area such as Waterhall and Southwick Hill on the edge of Brighton, Landport Bottom in Lewes, Castle Hill nature reserve in Newhaven, and Butts Brow in Eastbourne.   

“I spend most of my time indoors gaming but I really enjoyed scrub bashing today, lifting and cutting stuff and being outside exploring.’’   
Find Your Future ‘Countryside Skills’ participant 

"What an amazing, life sustaining project... Please keep doing these extraordinary projects which help people connect with their local community as well as with nature."
Growing New Roots participant 

A Sussex Grazed meatbox scheme has also been set up, connecting local communities to their local farms and supporting conservation grazing on the Downs. 

Heritage: Hearts and histories of the Downs 

Engaging communities as active participants in the discovery, interpretation and celebration of the cultural heritage of the Downs has also been at the heart of Changing Chalk and we are seeing the fruits of this engagement – more than 6,000 people and over 200 volunteers have engaged in Big Dig excavations, Scheduled Monument surveys and other archaeological surveys.

"It’s been fascinating learning about how far history goes back here... I've done quite a few sessions with Gary now and my skills passport is coming along really well"
Countryside Skills participant 

Through our project partner Writing our Legacy, 22 creative workshops have been held by and for Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people allowing them to explore their connection with the Downs. 

Our Cultural Heritage project recognises and celebrates Gypsy, Roma & Traveller heritage as a vital part of the Downs story.  A cultural audit of archival materials has uncovered hidden histories – and an impressive sculpture of a Gypsy Cob horse was commissioned, made by Romani blacksmith and artist Jake Bowers. ‘Priscilla Queen of the South’ is currently being hosted at Sussex University to inspire students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds to go into further education. 

Community Grants Scheme 

Through our Community Grants Scheme, we have completed three rounds of funding since March 2023 and are currently processing applications in our fourth and final round. 

Over £85,000 has been awarded in total to Sussex community organisations, supporting 21 projects to date – and helping people access, learn about and look after the South Downs and its rich natural and cultural heritage. Successful applicants demonstrated how their projects would benefit local communities and support the Changing Chalk partnership’s overall vision of creating a sustainable future for the eastern South Downs. 

What’s to come 

Now we’re in year three of Changing Chalk, our feet are still firmly on the accelerator and we’re excited for what is still to come.  There is a lot on the horizon and we have some exciting projects underway.   

Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are also working hard to ensure that the legacy of the project will continue beyond 2026 and the Changing Chalk torch will be passed on through the impact, relationships and stories it leaves behind.  

Changing Chalk has been made possible by a £2.23m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant thanks to National Lottery players; by players of People's Postcode Lottery; and The Linbury Trust. 

Have you been impacted by Changing Chalk? Tell us about your experience: changingchalk@nationaltrust.org.uk 

To find out more about the Changing Chalk partnership and the different projects and activities, please visit our home page here