Lead Organisation
Project Description
Bignor Hill’s 118 hectares of marginal agricultural land presents a powerful opportunity for renewal. No longer suited to intensive farming, this landscape will be re-energised through targeted, collaborative action—bringing sustainable grazing, chalk grassland seeding and planting, and strategic scrub clearance together into a single, joined-up vision.
Through this work, we will create and restore 21.77 hectares of species-rich chalk grassland, expanding and reconnecting the two existing Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) blocks at Bignor. The result will be a stronger, more resilient network of chalk grassland across the wider estate and neighbouring land—designed to function as one living system rather than isolated fragments.
This expansion is vital for chalk specialists. Species such as the Duke of Burgundy butterfly will directly benefit from the increased extent, quality and connectivity of habitat, supporting recovery where it is most needed.
Crucially, the project also strengthens collaboration between National Trust in-hand land and tenant farmers, establishing a shared, conservation-led approach to land management that can deliver lasting impact well beyond the life of the project.
Together, we will create and restore 21.77ha of chalk grassland, in-turn expanding and connecting the two existing Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) blocks at Bignor and creating a robust network of chalk grasslands across the wider estate and neighbouring land.
Crucially, chalk specialist species such as the Duke of Burgundy butterfly will directly benefit from this expanded, connected habitat.
Looking forward, this project will strengthen the collaborative relationship between National Trust in-hand land and tenant farmers, establishing a working model for conservation-led land management with lasting impact.
Project Location
The project is located at Bignor Hill, Pulborough, West Sussex (RH20 1PH), within the National Trust’s Slindon Estate on the South Downs.
Fit with the Big Chalk Programme
By restoring and creating 21.77 hectares of chalk grassland, this project directly advances Big Chalk’s ambition for landscape-scale nature recovery. It strengthens ecological connectivity between existing SSSIs, builds resilience for specialist species, and demonstrates how joined-up action across landholdings can deliver meaningful change at scale.
Equally important is the partnership at the heart of the work. By deepening collaboration with tenant farmers, the project reflects Big Chalk’s commitment to collective action—bringing people together to care for chalk landscapes and secure their future.
Wider Social and Environmental Considerations
By reconnecting nationally designated sites with surrounding grasslands, this project protects a landscape shaped by centuries of grazing and stewardship. It safeguards the cultural and ecological character of the South Downs while opening up richer opportunities for people to experience, value and take pride in this distinctive chalk landscape.
Together, this work supports biodiversity recovery, strengthens landscape resilience, and reinforces the enduring relationship between people, land and nature.
The Big Chalk programme and Nature Recovery Fund is funded through the Protected Landscapes Partnership, supported by Defra.
Before enhancement works
Work in progress
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.