Projects

Projects

Big Chalk Projects

The Big Chalk Partnership is developing and delivering projects that contribute to our vision of nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us. The projects listed here have been assessed as contributing directly to delivering our vision – they are Big Chalk Projects.

Those highlighted below provide just a snapshot of the crucial work happening to recover nature across the Big Chalk area and partnership.

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

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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 group of volunteers from Surrey Countryside Partnerships works together in the Downlands, Lower Mole, and Surrey Heathland areas. They are engaged in various conservation tasks, such as habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring, contributing to the health and beauty of these diverse landscapes.

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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A volunteer cleans a chalk stream in Chalgrove, carefully removing debris and maintaining the natural flow. The clear, sparkling water reflects the surrounding greenery as the volunteer works to preserve the stream’s health and support local wildlife.

River Thame Chalk Steam Strategy

New strategy for River Thame’s chalk streams focuses on habitat restoration, fish passage, and reintroducing species like brown trout and water vole.

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