Dover’s chalk grassland to be restored as heritage and nature conservation teams join forces
English Heritage, Kent Wildlife Trust, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and the Western Heights Preservation Society have come together with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore 80 hectares of precious chalk grassland habitat across Dover Castle and the Western Heights in Dover it was announced today, Thursday, 21st November 2024.
The project, which has just begun and will run until December 2026, will create vital habitat for key species such as early spider orchid, lesser calamint and adonis blue butterfly as well as the chough which is currently being reintroduced to the area through a Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust led programme.
The work to restore this special landscape will provide stepping stones allowing species to travel across already established nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest to the east and west of Dover, therefore making them more resilient to the effects of climate change by enlarging their habitats. At the same time, by clearing the overgrown scrub which has taken hold across the area, the restoration of chalk grassland will reveal defensive earthworks going back 2,000 years, helping Dover’s rich heritage to be enjoyed and understood. A mixed breed livestock herd will be introduced for long-term management through conservation grazing.
Posted On: 25/11/2024
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