Chalk and limestone landscapes across southern England are coming alive. Throughout the Big Chalk partnership, organisations, land managers, and communities are delivering targeted actions that help wildlife thrive—restoring and reconnecting habitats, and creating the conditions for rare species to recover.
With £750,000 of investment through the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund supporting 21 innovative projects, this collective effort is helping to restore 160 hectares of grassland, enhance 570 hectares of connected habitats, re-naturalise over 1 km of chalk streams, and plant more than 600 metres of new hedgerows— transforming isolated sites into bigger, better, and more connected landscapes for wildlife.
At the heart of this is a simple truth: boosting populations of rare chalk and limestone wildlife depends on focused, evidence-based action in the habitats they rely on. From butterflies to orchids and ground-nesting birds, Big Chalk-backed projects are delivering practical interventions that give chalk and limestone specialists a fighting chance.
Why species recovery matters
Chalk and limestone landscapes across southern England are more than just scenic—they are living biodiversity hotspots, home to species found almost nowhere else. The Adonis Blue and Chalk Hill Blue butterflies, Man Orchid, Clustered Bellflower, and ground-nesting birds like the Stone-curlew have evolved to depend on the unique soils, open swards, and finely balanced microhabitats of these landscapes. Their survival is intertwined with the mosaic of chalk and limestone grassland, woodland and farmland, which supports intricate food webs, pollinators, and nutrient cycles—the very threads that hold these ecosystems together.
Without targeted action, these species face further decline—and with them goes the richness, resilience, and distinct character of these iconic landscapes. Species recovery is about more than saving individual plants or animals; it is about restoring the ecological heartbeat of our chalk and limestone landscapes. Thriving populations of butterflies, orchids, and ground-nesting birds are living proof of landscapes restored, signalling healthier soils and waters, stronger ecological networks, and a brighter, wildlife-rich future for both nature and people.
Big Chalk projects are helping turn this vision into reality. By focusing on the specific habitats and management practices species need to thrive, implementing evidence-led restoration, and monitoring results, these initiatives ensure recovery is not just possible—but sustainable.
Guided by research and specialist expertise, species recovery work creates structurally rich, well-connected landscapes where wildlife flourishes, ecosystems are resilient to climate change, and moving communities can engage directly with nature.
Alongside the projects featured here, Big Chalk partners are building a network of species-focused projects across southern England’s chalk and limestone landscapes. From Runfold Ridge’s restoration of former farmland into species-rich chalk grassland for butterflies, to the farmer-led collaboration of the Farmers of the South Dorset Ridgeway —restoring calcareous grassland, woodland and field margins for Barn Owl, Corn Bunting and Adonis Blue while improving water quality in the River Bride and Fleet Lagoon catchment —and from the Isle of Wight’s Saving the Blues programme to Kent’s ambitious Chalk to Coast wildlife corridor, partners are putting the Lawton principles of “bigger, better, more and joined up” into action.
Together, they are reconnecting habitats, strengthening resilience to climate change, and creating the space for priority species to recover and thrive.
Contributing to national goals
Species recovery is a key priority within England’s Environmental Improvement Plan. Big Chalk and our partners are contributing directly to these aims by delivering targeted habitat managementfor priority chalk and limestone specialists.
This approach supports multiple goals:
- Protecting and restoring priority species and their habitats, including butterflies, orchids, and ground-nesting birds.
- Strengthening ecological resilience, ensuring species have the connected habitats needed to adapt to climate change.
- Combining practical habitat management with local expertise, research, and long-term stewardship to ensure lasting impact.
By investing in these targeted projects, Big Chalk is helping deliver measurable improvements in wildlife populations that align with national species recovery priorities.
Big Chalk-backed locally led projects
We’re delighted to be part-funding four projects through the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund, delivering hands-on, targeted action for species that rely on chalk landscapes—helping rare butterflies, orchids, and ground-nesting birds thrive once again.
Connecting the Heart of Wiltshire’s Chalk Grasslands – Wiltshire Wildlife Trust | Wansdyke, North Wessex Downs National Landscape
This project is reconnecting 121 hectares of fragmented chalk grassland across 15 sites, restoring ecological links at a landscape scale. It includes the enhancement of 15.5 hectares of species-rich wildflower grassland, the reduction of scrub across 30 hectares of sensitive chalk sites, the creation of two butterfly scrapes, and new grazing infrastructure to strengthen long-term habitat management.
The work is carefully targeted to support priority species, including Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritillary, Large Blue and the Wart-biter Bush Cricket—species that depend on structurally diverse, well-managed chalk habitats.
Informed by Wiltshire Chalk Partnership research and delivered in collaboration with 10 local farmers, the project combines practical, coordinated habitat restoration with species monitoring—turning evidence into action and ambition into measurable recovery.
Through scrub clearance, grazing, and seed-sowing, the project improves habitat connectivity, allowing specialist butterflies to move between sites safely and encouraging wider ecosystem recovery. Volunteer engagement and knowledge-sharing with farmers strengthens long-term stewardship of the chalk landscape.
Project impact
- 15 hectares of chalk grassland enhanced and reconnected across multiple sites
- Improved habitat conditions for priority butterflies and insects
- Collaboration with 10 farmers to ensure sustainable habitat management
- Monitoring informs ongoing species recovery work
“Our network of farmers has really responded at pace since securing the funding. We have completed much of the work already, with volunteering sessions to deliver wildflower plug planting in mid March. The number of partners involved really demonstrates the depth of commitment to restoring nature. It’s wonderful to see this vision coming to life with Big Chalk’s support”
— Debbie Bentley, Trust and Grants Officer, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Male Chalkhill Blue butterfly
Species‑rich chalk grassland meadow at Morgans Hill
Flowers and Machinery in the Porton Down to Salisbury Plain Corridor - RSPB in partnership with Cholderton Estate | Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire
In the Porton Down to Salisbury Plain corridor, chalk grasslands support some of the UK’s rarest butterflies and ground-nesting birds. This project is enhancing and creating 22 hectares of species-rich chalk grassland, designed to meet the precise needs of Marsh Fritillary, Duke of Burgundy and Silver-spotted Skipper, alongside ground-nesting birds such as Stone-curlew and Lapwing.
New machinery will enable the team to create the varied sward heights, short turf and patches of bare ground these birds depend on to nest and forage successfully.
Three hectares of new chalk grassland are being created to strengthen habitat connectivity as wildlife moves from Porton Down to Salisbury Plain. Across existing sites, scrub will be carefully managed, key larval foodplants established, and bare scapes created to deliver the floral abundance, shelter, and warm microclimates butterflies require for breeding, nectaring and basking.
Monitoring and research will guide adaptive management throughout. By working closely with estate teams, the project ensures action is timely, practical and sustainable—aligned with national species recovery priorities and delivering lasting gains for chalk wildlife.
Project impact
- 22 hectares of chalk grassland created or enhanced
- Tailored habitat structure for specialist butterflies and ground-nesting birds
- Evidence-led management guides ongoing habitat improvements
- Collaboration with landowners secures long-term stewardship
“Targeted habitat creation and restoration is critical to strengthening links and creating stepping stones for wildlife to move through this landscape. This will help rare chalk butterflies and ground nesting birds such as lapwing and stone-curlew to re-establish themselves in the wider countryside”.
— Patrick Cashman, RSPB Wiltshire Chalk reserves Site Manager
Volunteer using a tree popper to remove invasive scrub
Preparing nesting habitat for lapwing and stone‑curlew
Boosting Butser’s Butterflies – Hampshire County Council | Butser Hill NNR, South Downs National Park
At Butser Hill, a nationally important chalk grassland and yew woodland site, grazing and habitat management are key to supporting specialist chalk species. This project enhances 48 hectares of chalk grassland and woodland edge by providing a new water supply, making grazing possible across the site and allowing livestock to shape a varied grassland structure.
By restoring structural and floral diversity, the project will benefit orchids, Cowslip, Harebell and priority chalk butterflies, including Chalk Hill Blue and the rare Duke of Burgundy, which relies on carefully managed grassland with suitable larval foodplants and sheltered conditions.
Targeted monitoring and habitat surveys will help guide management for species such as the Chalk Hill Blue and other pollinators. By restoring the structure and composition of the grassland, the project improves conditions for specialist insects, flowers, and overall biodiversity.
Project impact
- 200 metres of water supply installed to enable sustainable conservation grazing across the reserve, supporting long-term habitat management
- 48 hectares of chalk grassland and woodland edge improved through conservation grazing and scrub management
- Habitat strengthened for orchids, Cowslip, Harebell, Chalk Hill Blue and Duke of Burgundy
- Infrastructure installed to enable sustainable long-term grazing ongoing monitoring to inform adaptive management and maximise species recovery
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said:
“Boosting Butser’s Butterflies’ is an important project to restore a precious area of chalk grassland at Butser Hill National Nature Reserve. We warmly welcome the £20,000 funding contribution from Big Chalk which will help install a new water supply and troughs, enabling conservation grazing that will create the right conditions for rare flowers and insects to thrive once again.
“This forms part of Hampshire County Council’s wider commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity, working closely with partners who share this ambition. We are pleased to be collaborating with the South Downs National Park Authority, who are contributing £40,000 towards the restoration of this nationally significant habitat. By joining forces, we can deliver long‑term improvements for wildlife and ensure these landscapes are safeguarded for future generations.”
Chalk grassland valley with patchy scrub
A harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
Improving Rare Chalk Grassland at Ranscombe - Plantlife | North Kent Woods and Downs NNR, Kent Downs National Landscape
Ranscombe Farm is a vital refuge for specialist chalk plants and pollinators. This project enables conservation grazing on 0.5 hectares at the entrance to the reserve, creating the open conditions required by Man Orchid, Clustered Bellflower, and specialist chalk grassland pollinators. By combining careful grazing with scrub control, the project improves habitat quality and encourages natural regeneration, all within easy view of visitors.
Big Chalk funding also supports equipment purchase and habitat monitoring, ensuring habitat restoration actions are evidence-led and effective. Small but strategic, these actions allow populations of rare species to persist in fragmented landscapes.
Project impact
- 0.5 hectares of chalk grassland improved with conservation grazing
- Habitat restored for Man Orchid, Clustered Bellflower, and pollinators
- Targeted monitoring ensures evidence-led management
- Long-term skills and capacity built for local conservation staff
“We are very grateful for the grant from the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund, which is allowing us to fence 0.5 ha of chalk grassland near the entrance to Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve and so enhance its ongoing restoration through grazing with livestock. This will help us to provide an area of high quality, wildflower-rich grassland at the most accessible part of the reserve.”
— Ben Sweeney, Ranscombe Farm Reserve Manager
Volunteers installing new stock fencing
Partnerships driving change
Together, these projects show the power of local knowledge, evidence-led habitat restoration and monitoring in boosting populations of rare wildlife. From grazing management to targeted habitat creation, and from monitoring specialist butterflies to safeguarding rare orchids and birds, Big Chalk-backed projects are helping the amazing wildlife of our chalk and limestone landscapes to recover.
As these projects progress, we’ll continue to share updates, celebrate learning, and spotlight other Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund themes—from nature-friendly farming, to reconnecting our chalk and limestone grasslands, restoring chalk streams, and the power of community-led action for nature.
Join us on our journey to create nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us.
The Big Chalk programme and Nature Recovery Fund is funded through the Protected Landscapes Partnership, supported by Defra.
Do you have a project that could strengthen the future of southern England’s iconic chalk and limestone landscapes?
The Big Chalk programme brings together a dynamic suite of partner-led projects, each unique in its focus, area, and partnerships but sharing a commitment to our collective vision.
If your project contributes to the Big Chalk mission, we invite you to register it as a Big Chalk Project. Registered projects gain access to networking, shared learning, and best practice—alongside the Big Chalk brand, boosting your profile and connecting you to a powerful, growing network of partners.
Together, these projects form a united effort to secure the future of southern England’s chalk and limestone landscapes, making a lasting impact for nature and communities.