CHANGING CHALK
The Railway Land Wildlife Trust is delighted to be part of the Changing Chalk Partnership
Chalk grassland is a globally rare habitat under threat. We are working with our Changing Chalk partners (led by the National Trust), local authority landowners and community partners to increase awareness and practical restoration of local downland areas.
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Get involved!
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There are many ways to get involved and help restore the Downs including practical conservation work, surveying, support volunteering with guided walks and events & becoming a Downland Guardian.
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Practical conservation sessions
If you'd like to do some hands-on habitat management, we have friendly, monthly volunteer sessions on three chalk grassland sites in Eastbourne, Newhaven and Lewes:
1st Saturday of the month
Butts Lane Meadow, Willingdon.
A sheltered, hidden haven with glorious views over to Pevensey bay and a vast array of wildlife and wildflowers within the Eastbourne Downland Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) ...,one of the best ways to kick off the month!
1st Sunday of the month
Castle Hill LNR, Newhaven.
Nestled between town and the sea, harbouring a staggering range of wildflowers and animal species, this local nature reserve has been loyally cared for by a small team of dedicated volunteers with a staggering collective knowledge of the site. They love welcoming newbies!
3rd Saturday of the month
Landport Bottom, Lewes.
Not really a bottom but more of a downland highlight of Lewes with spectacular views of Lewes town and around, including the Ouse Valley. Must be why they chose to fight the Battle of Lewes here… the views and sounds singing skylarks.
These sessions usually run 10am til 1pm unless terrible weather or the need to do an extra big scrub bash dictates otherwise. Likewise, there is no obligation to stay for the whole session and volunteers are invited to work at a pace and level that suits them…if want to just come along and sketch some plants or take photos, that’s fine by us! No experience is required, all tools are provided as are tea, coffee and all important biscuits (nobody shall go hungry on our watch).
Become a Downland Guardian
​Play a crucial role in the conservation of chalk grassland ecosystems by being part of a network of volunteer species spotters and site checkers at Landport Bottom and Butts Brow.
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There will be opportunities to join group walks and training sessions, as well as regular solo site visits. So whether you’re an ecology enthusiast or just eager to connect with nature on a more frequent and purposeful basis, becoming a Downland Guardian is a great opportunity to not only help land managers protect the sites, but also increase your understanding of these unique chalk grassland habitats through the seasons and share that knowledge and passion with others.
To find out more about the project or to volunteer, email Jennie Smith, our Chalk Life Ranger, here
