Lead organisation
Project description
This project is restoring species-rich limestone grassland through regenerative, low-impact grazing, supported by innovative NoFence GPS collars. A new livestock handling pen at Dolebury Warren will make this possible, enabling efficient animal management in this remote and ecologically precious landscape.
By providing a dedicated space for recalibration and maintenance of GPS collars, the project unlocks the potential to embed sustainable, nature-led practices into day-to-day land management. Every movement of livestock is designed to enhance biodiversity, protect sensitive habitats, and maintain the health of this iconic chalk landscape.
Project location:
The work takes place at Dolebury Warren SSSI (BS25 5NT), a 90.6-hectare biological site of special interest and home to an Ancient Monument within the Mendip Hills National Landscape.
Fit With the Big Chalk Programme:
This initiative strengthens the resilience of Dolebury Warren’s ecosystems while providing a practical, scalable model for limestone and landscape conservation. By combining species-focused grazing, heritage protection, and innovative land management, the project delivers on the Big Chalk Programme’s vision: connected landscapes where biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing advance together.
Wider social and environmental considerations:
The project goes beyond immediate habitat gains. Regenerative grazing and GPS-enabled livestock management reduce fencing and heavy machinery use, minimising soil compaction, carbon emissions, and habitat disturbance. This approach builds ecosystem resilience, allowing pollinators, wildlife, and plant communities to thrive.
At the same time, the project inspires and informs others. Farmers, conservationists, and local communities can learn from this living example of sustainable land stewardship, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a shared commitment to nature recovery.
The Big Chalk programme and Nature Recovery Fund is funded through the Protected Landscapes Partnership, supported by Defra.
Chalk grassland slopes and stone‑lined earthworks at Dolebury Warren hillfort
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.