Big Chalk is a bold vision for nature’s recovery that aims to connect and enhance the chalk and limestone landscapes of southern England, covering 19% of England.
The Big Chalk programme is embarking on an exciting new chapter, marking a significant milestone in our partnership’s journey to recover nature in the unique and globally significant chalk and limestone landscapes of southern England.
Our journey began at about the same time that the seminal Making Space for Nature Report was published; this was no coincidence. Big Chalk began amongst the 12 chalk and limestone Protected Landscapes, extending from Dorset and The Mendip Hills across southern England to the Chilterns and the Kent Downs. With development support from Natural England, our partnership has grown and the Big Chalk Geography extends well beyond the National Landscapes and South Downs National Park, which cover a third of the area.
The Big Chalk geography is defined both by the geology and the opportunity to create a contiguous network for nature’s recovery.
Today, our partnership has expanded to more than 150 like-minded organisations, with the Protected Landscapes Partnership and Defra funding the next steps in our growth and impact.
During this phase, we've unveiled a strong new brand identity, launched our website, and hosted our very first partnership conference—each a testament to the renewed energy and focus that will take Big Chalk to the next level.
These initiatives aren't just about expanding our presence; they're about deepening and expanding our impact and fostering collaboration across institutional and geographical boundaries.
We’re already looking beyond this crucial step and plans are in place for development and delivery of an ambitious, collaborative programme.
Funding is being sought and very positive relationships built with key policy drivers such as the 30 by 30 nature targets and the National Nature Recovery Network.
At the heart of Big Chalk's success is the collective effort of individuals who are committed to working together to achieve what they cannot do alone, unified by a shared passion for recovering nature in these precious landscapes.
As we move forward, we are more energised than ever to continue our mission - to collectively secure the future of nature in southern England’s iconic chalk and limestone landscapes, inspired by the positive momentum we've built and the strong partnerships we've forged along the way.
The next chapter of Big Chalk promises to be our most impactful yet, and we are excited to continue this journey with the unwavering support of our partners and diverse community.
Together, we can make as significant and lasting difference, ensuring that these vital landscapes are more vibrant and nature is more abundant for future generations.
Nick Johannsen FLI
Chair of the Big Chalk Partnership
Join our partnership
Realising our vision depends on building a broad, representative partnership – we do together what we cannot do alone.
If you would like to discuss joining the Big Chalk Partnership, please email David Hoccom.
Register your project
The Big Chalk programme is made up of a dynamic and evolving suite of partner-led projects. These may do different things, cover different areas and have different partners but they all have two things in common – they contribute towards delivering the Big Chalk vision and the Big Chalk Board has agreed they can be registered as a Big Chalk Project.
Once registered, a Big Chalk Project can use the Big Chalk brand on its materials, benefiting from an enhanced profile as well as access to networking, shared learning and best practice. Importantly, Big Chalk Projects are recognised as being part of a collective effort to secure the future of nature in southern England’s iconic chalk and limestone landscapes.
The registration process begins with submission of an online form.
Join a topic group
Knowledge transfer within the Big Chalk Partnership happens through a series of topic groups, which meet online three to four times a year. These currently cover:
- Land management for nature’s recovery
- Working with farmers and land managers
- Developing landscape-scale programmes
- Local nature recovery strategies
- Evidence, data and recording
- Natural capital
- Health, wellbeing & engagement
If you are interested in joining a Big Chalk topic group, please email Bruce Winney.
Become a funder or partner
We would love to hear from you if your organisation can help fulfil our mission and contribute to delivering our vision of nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us.
If you would like to discuss funding or partnering with Big Chalk, please email David Hoccom.
