Projects

Projects

Big Chalk Projects

The Big Chalk Partnership brings together more than 150 organisations, each of which is developing and delivering successful projects that will help achieve our shared vision of nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us.

Some of these projects are listed here. They have been assessed as contributing directly to delivering our Partnership's vision, and our partners can describe and promote them as Big Chalk Projects.

New initiatives are continually emerging, so check back regularly to stay connected and witness how our partners are driving real change across southern England.

Register your project
Two people walking through a golden wildflower meadow, surrounded by rolling green countryside with traditional farm buildings in the distance. The tall grasses suggest a late summer setting, as the pair explore the landscape under a clear sky.

Glorious Cotswold Grasslands

Glorious Cotswold Grasslands is restoring wildflower-rich limestone grasslands across the Cotswolds, boosting biodiversity and climate resilience.

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A vibrant grassland filled with wildflowers, including delicate purple Common Orchids and yellow blossoms, swaying in the sunlight. The lush greenery and diverse plant life create a rich meadow habitat.

Surrey's 'Old' Grasslands Inventory

Surrey Wildlife Trust, and partners are creating an inventory to protect Surrey's rare and biodiverse ancient grasslands.

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A vibrant display of natural dye materials, including colourful plants and textiles, laid out on a table during a workshop on sustainable dyeing techniques.

Cross-Channel Geopark - GeoDiversity project

Discover the Kent Downs' rich geodiversity through events, education, and ambassadors, celebrating our shared geological heritage with France.

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A scenic landscape with a narrow grassy footpath leading through tall, wild grasses and white wildflowers. The path winds toward densely forested hills under a clear blue sky, creating a tranquil and secluded atmosphere.

Somer Valley Rediscovered

Somer Valley Rediscovered focuses on restoring ecosystems, improving access to nature, and promoting sustainability and recreation in the region.

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Three Herdwick sheep grazing in an autumn field, surrounded by golden grasses.

Happy Valley SSSI/NNR

Happy Valley and Farthing Downs host Greater London’s largest chalk grassland, balancing conservation with inclusive public access.

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For illustrative purposes

Wild Waters Festival

We’re uniting 12 parish councils to host a River Festival in 2025, celebrating the Avon and inspiring action on climate and biodiversity.

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The Adonis blue (Polyommatus bellargus) is a small butterfly, with males displaying vivid sky-blue wings and females brown with orange spots. Both sexes have pale brown undersides with black spots. They thrive in chalk grasslands, often seen on low plants like horseshoe vetch.

Saving the Blues

The Isle of Wight’s chalk grasslands will be enhanced to support five blue butterfly species, including Adonis and Chalk Hill Blues, by 2025.

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Corn Bunting sitting at the top of a tree singing. A corn bunting (Emberiza calandra) is a stocky, brownish-gray bird with streaked plumage, often blending into its grassy or agricultural surroundings. It has a thick, conical bill and a slightly larger head relative to its body. The bird’s song is a distinctive, jangling "metallic rattle" sound, often delivered from a perch like a fence post or wire. Corn buntings are commonly seen in open farmland, particularly in fields of grain, where they feed on seeds and insects.

Farmers of the South Dorset Ridgeway

Landowners and farmers restoring key habitats for species like Barn Owl and Corn Bunting, improving water quality, and creating a nature recovery map.

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A team of Gatwick Airport staff volunteers from the land corp team cleaning and clearing vegetation at Chapel Bank.

Surrey and South London Downs

Surrey Countryside Partnerships offers a shared management service, including volunteer programmes and conservation grazing, across local NNRs.

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