Chalk Grassland
What are the challenges?
Chalk grassland is a specialised and fragile ecosystem which faces severe decline from agricultural intensification, over grazing and under grazing.
In western Kent, chalk grasslands are increasingly fragmented and disconnected due to development.
Without proper management, scrub encroachment further threatens these delicate ecosystems.
Why it matters:
Chalk grasslands can support up to 40 plant species per square metre, ranking them among the most biodiverse habitats globally.
Losing chalk grasslands means losing habitat for rare and endangered species like the Adonis blue butterfly and wild orchids.
Well managed and healthy chalk grassland achieves the following:
Habitat for rare or endangered species
Cultural Heritage
Carbon Sequestration
Supports pollinators & food production
Connecting People to Nature
Nature Based Solutions:
Reintroduce sustainable conservation grazing with native livestock to maintain the open landscape and prevent scrub encroachment.
Remove invasive species to allow native chalk grassland plants to thrive.
Reconnect fragmented grasslands to improve habitat connectivity for wildlife.
Statistics & Facts:
Kent contains 1,900 hectares (2.5%) of the world's remaining chalk grassland, with only 700 ha of unimproved chalk grassland left within the Kent Downs, of which 60 per cent are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Chalk grassland is one of Europe’s most threatened habitats
Chalk grasslands can support up to 40 plant species per square metre, ranking them among the most biodiverse habitats globally.
Over 50% of the UK’s butterfly species inhabit chalk grasslands, including the rare Duke of Burgundy and Chalkhill Blue butterflies.
Key Species:
Adonis Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus bellargus)
Chalkhill Blue (Polyommatus coridon)
Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)
Horseshoe Vetch – the sole food plant for the globally threatened Adonis Blue Butterfly.
