Big Chalk

Saving England’s Rarest Rivers 💧 Chalk streams are among the rarest freshwater ecosystems in the world, with 85% found in England—yet only 12% are in good ecological condition. This World Water Day, we’re spotlighting these fragile rivers and the urgent action needed to protect them. From pollution to climate change, pressures are mounting—but hope is not lost. Big Chalk partners, alongside The Rivers Trust and the CaBA Chalk Stream Restoration Group, are working to restore natural flows, improve water quality, and safeguard these landscapes for the future. 📢 In our latest guest blog, Alison Matthews, Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy Programme Manager at The Rivers Trust, explores why chalk streams matter and what’s being done to save them. Read the full blog here 👉 https://lnkd.in/egAeNvkz David Hoccom Simon Smith Joanna Lewis Dorset National Landscape South Downs National Park Authority Kent Downs National Landscape Surrey Hills National Landscape Chilterns National Landscape Mendip Hills AONB Cotswolds National Landscape North Wessex Downs National Landscape Cranborne Chase National Landscape High Weald National Landscape National Landscapes Association National Trails UK Natural England Soil Association Plantlife International Pasture for Life NFU (National Farmers' Union) Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group RSPB National Trust Environment Agency Avon Wildlife Trust Butterfly Conservation Kent County Council Bath & North East Somerset Council #BigChalk #WorldWaterDay #SaveOurRivers #ChalkStreams #NatureRecovery #Biodiversity #FreshwaterConservation #ClimateResilience #ConservationMatters Images: River Frome in Dorset © Charles Rangeley Wilson and © Alison Matthews

Big Chalk Projects: Cross-Channel Geopark - Geodiversity We’re proud to showcase projects that bring our vision of nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes to life, benefiting everyone. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Kent's Geodiversity project. The landscapes of southern England and northern France are more connected than you might think. Beneath the Channel, a shared geological story has been unfolding for millions of years—one that shapes our environment, communities, and shared histories. Kent Downs National Landscape is partnering with Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale to secure Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark status, uniting these two incredible protected landscapes and the Channel itself. This is more than just a designation—it’s a celebration of our shared geodiversity, cultural heritage, and deep-rooted connections across borders. 🌍 Exploring millions of years of geological history—from the ancient chalk landscapes to the forces that shaped the Channel. 👣 Engaging people in their local geodiversity through hands-on activities, storytelling, and community-led projects. 🎓 Empowering a new generation of Geopark Ambassadors—volunteers, businesses, and educators sharing the wonder of our landscapes. 📚 Inspiring future careers in earth sciences through a Youth Ambassador Programme and partnerships with academic and industry experts. 📍 Enhancing key Geosites with interpretation, citizen science, and events that make geology accessible to all. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project is amplifying voices, sharing untold histories of settlement and migration shaped by the landscape, and building a deeper sense of place and belonging for all. By championing sustainable tourism, volunteering, and making geodiversity a core part of landscape conservation, this project strengthens Big Chalk’s mission by connecting people and nature in one of southern England's iconic chalk and limestone landscapes. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ekvqWXm9 And if you or your organisation can help us tell the story of our landscapes, visit https://lnkd.in/eZYgMenb to get involved. #BigChalk #Geodiversity #CrossChannelGeopark #NatureRecovery #GeologyMatters #LandscapeConnections #UNESCOGeoparks #SustainableTourism #ChalkLandscapes #Conservation #EarthSciences #GeoHeritage Isabel Shaw Hélène Dehouck Kent County Council National Landscapes Association David Hoccom Simon Smith Bruce Winney Kathryn Hearnden Visit Kent Explore Kent Dover District Council Folkestone and Hythe Images © Joe Hill

Join the movement! Big Chalk is more than a vision—it’s a growing movement of partners, projects, and people working together to restore nature across southern England’s chalk and limestone landscapes. Now, we’re inviting you to be part of it. By registering your project, you could become part of a dynamic and evolving network of partner-led initiatives that contribute to our shared goal: a connected, nature-rich landscape that benefits wildlife, people, and climate resilience. Why register? ✅ Be recognised as part of the UK’s largest landscape-scale nature recovery initiative. ✅ Gain visibility through the Big Chalk brand, shared communications, and networking opportunities. ✅ Join a collective effort—projects may differ in scope, but together they drive lasting change. Whether you're restoring grasslands, protecting chalk streams, enhancing biodiversity, or strengthening communities' connections to nature, your work matters—and together, we can achieve so much more. 📍 Register your project today: https://lnkd.in/eebJk2gt #BigChalk #NatureRecovery #TogetherForNature #ChalkLandscapes #Conservation #Collaboration #Biodiversity #RestoringLandscapes #ClimateResilience Simon Smith David Hoccom Bruce Winney Ruth Colbridge MCIPR National Landscapes Association South Downs National Park Authority Dorset National Landscape Chilterns National Landscape Surrey Hills National Landscape Plantlife International Polly Martin Cotswolds National Landscape Madeleine Lundholm Mendip Hills AONB Jim Hardcastle National Trails UK Pasture for Life Soil Association Natural England

This year’s UN World Wildlife Day spotlights conservation or ‘green’ finance—a potentially game-changing shift in how we value nature and fund its recovery. Traditional grants and public funding remain vital, but private investment in nature is starting to happen—and Big Chalk is stepping up to help make sure it delivers real results. What’s happening? ✅ Green finance is beginning to unlock new funding for nature, but we must shape it wisely. ✅ Big Chalk is working with partners to explore ethical investment models for long-term landscape recovery. ✅ Water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience are emerging as key opportunities for focussing private investment. Our sector is used to overcoming funding challenges. To unlock this new opportunity we need to lead the conversation, develop impactive and ethical investment models, and ensure nature is not just valued, but truly restored. 🔗 Read the blog and explore how Big Chalk is helping shape the future of green finance: https://lnkd.in/eTNPVrd6 #BigChalk #NatureFinance #GreenFinance #BiodiversityInvestment #ConservationFunding #PartnershipsMatter #WorldWildlifeDay #NationalLandscapesAssociation #ProtectedLandscapesPartnership #FinanceEarth #Defra Rebecca Hunt David Hoccom National Landscapes Association Finance Earth Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Natural England Plantlife International Simon Smith John Watkins Image © Simon Smith

Big Chalk's partners are getting stuck into local nature strategies! At the Big Chalk Conference in September, we explored how we can influence Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs)—and now, just a few months later, we’re seeing real progress. What’s happening? ✅ 27 LNRSs across Big Chalk are being tracked to ensure chalk and limestone landscapes are recognised. ✅ A ‘best practice’ guide for calcareous (chalk and limestone) grasslands and chalk streams is now in the hands of Big Chalk's network of LNRS Champions. ✅ Six out of seven LNRSs already reference Big Chalk habitats as priorities for their geographies – and we’re working to ensure even more follow suit. This is a pivotal moment for shaping nature recovery across our chalk and limestone landscapes. With LNRSs across England entering a final phase of consultation in 2025, now is the time to get involved! 🔗 Read the blog to see how we’re making an impact: https://lnkd.in/gKKK4TPz 📄 Access Big Chalk's LNRS guidance note here: https://lnkd.in/gTW9YKEt #BigChalk #NatureRecovery #LNRS #ChalkLandscapes #Biodiversity #PartnershipsMatter #MakingSpaceForNature #Defra #NaturalEngland #RiversTrust David Hoccom Bruce Winney Ruth Colbridge MCIPR South Downs National Park Authority National Landscapes AssociationChilterns National Landscape Surrey Hills National Landscape Mendip Hills AONB Dorset National Landscape North Wessex Downs National Landscape Kent Downs National Landscape Making Space for Nature in Kent and Medway Avon Wildlife Trust Bath & North East Somerset Council Butterfly Conservation Cotswolds National Landscape Cranborne Chase National Landscape Kent County Council Natural England National Trails UK Plantlife International Pasture for Life RSPB Soil Association Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Image: Simon Smith

Big Chalk Projects: Somer Valley Rediscovered At Big Chalk, we’re championing ambitious projects that restore nature, connect people with their landscapes, and build resilience for the future. Today, we’re shining a light on Somer Valley Rediscovered, a visionary initiative led by Bath & North East Somerset Council and its partners. Lying between the Mendip Hills AONB and Cotswolds National Landscape, the Somer Valley is a mosaic of steep valleys, farmland, ancient hedgerows, and chalk streams. This project is driving landscape-scale restoration while ensuring local communities are at the heart of nature's recovery. Key objectives include: 🌱 Restoring biodiversity – reconnecting fragmented habitats and enhancing ecological networks for wildlife. 🚶 Improving access to nature – creating new opportunities for people to explore, connect, and take action for their local environment. 🌍 Building climate resilience – strengthening natural systems to support both nature and communities in adapting to climate change. 🌾 Enhancing landscapes – protecting historic features and managing land to sustain the region’s unique character. 🚴 Encouraging discovery – promoting walking and cycling routes to engage visitors and local residents. A standout achievement is the restoration of 34 hectares of green spaces, including species-rich meadows around Midsomer Norton and Radstock. These revitalised habitats support a wealth of wildlife, from pollinators to birds and small mammals, while providing a space for people to enjoy and appreciate nature. Somer Valley Rediscovered is a powerful example of how biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and climate action can come together to create a thriving, resilient landscape. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e3Shrr8C And if your organisation shares our vision of nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us, visit https://lnkd.in/eZYgMenb to see how you can support our partners’ work. Image Somer Valley Rediscovered #BigChalk #SomerValley #NatureRecovery #Biodiversity #ClimateResilience #ChalkLandscapes #CommunityAction #MendipHills #Cotswolds #WildlifeRestoration #SustainableLandscapes miriam woolnough Jim Hardcastle Sarah Jackson David Hoccom National Landscapes Association Kaye Jemmeson Ruth Colbridge MCIPR Avon Wildlife Trust Simon Smith Bruce Winney Wessex Water Natural England University of Bath Bath Spa University Bath College West of England Nature Partnership

Big Chalk Projects: Happy Valley SSSI/NNR At Big Chalk, we're united in our mission to secure the future of nature in southern England's iconic chalk and limestone landscapes. Today, we're highlighting Happy Valley, Croydon Council’s largest open space, and a vital part of the flower-rich chalk grassland that can still be found in and around Greater London. Alongside the neighbouring Farthing Downs, this incredible area is home to 12 species of orchids, the Greater Yellow Rattle, and a treasured ancient woodland that provides a haven for hazel dormice. This unique site holds national importance for wildlife, while striving to balance nature's recovery with public access and enjoyment. The Happy Valley project is designed to engage a diverse range of visitors—from families to urban residents with limited access to greenspace—while ensuring the area remains a sanctuary for nature. A QR audio nature trail, narrated by renowned voices like Joanna Lumley, Tony Robinson, and the late Benjamin Zephaniah, offers an immersive experience for all. Translations in Hindi, Polish, and French make nature accessible to local communities. Discover how our partners at Croydon Council and Surrey Countryside Partnerships are safeguarding this beautiful landscape and the nature which depends on it for future generations. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eC_z-2CP And if you think your organisation can help fulfil our mission and support our partners' work, visit: https://lnkd.in/eZYgMenb #BigChalk #HappyValley #NatureForAll #UrbanGreenspaces #Conservation #ChalkGrassland #Biodiversity #InclusiveNature #CommunityEngagement #LondonNature #Sustainability #Surrey #Croydon Surrey Hills National Landscape Emma Cole rob fairbanks National Landscapes Association Ruth Colbridge MCIPR David Hoccom Simon Smith Bruce Winney Images © Dominic North

Big Chalk Projects: Wild Waters Festival At Big Chalk, we’re proud to highlight the Wild Waters Festival—a dynamic grassroots project uniting 12 parish councils along the beautiful Bristol River Avon. This collaboration is rooted in bioregional principles and is driven by a shared goal: to celebrate the river and its local communities while raising awareness about the pressures it faces due to climate change and biodiversity loss. In May 2025, the Wild Waters Festival will shine a spotlight on the vital role the river plays in the region and encourage local action to protect and restore this precious natural resource. From Bradford on Avon to Batheaston, the festival will showcase the power of community-driven efforts to help nature thrive. This is a true example of what can be achieved when people come together—let’s take action for a healthier, more sustainable future. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ebx6wWeN And if you think your organisation can help fulfil our mission and support our partners' work, visit: https://lnkd.in/eZYgMenb #BigChalk #NatureRecovery #CommunityAction #RiverFestival #ClimateAction #Biodiversity #SustainableFuture #LocalCommunities #SouthWestEngland #WildWatersFestival Batheaston Parish Councillors Bradford on Avon Town Council Limpley Stoke Parish Council Cotswolds National Landscape Simon Smith Kaye Jemmeson David Hoccom

Big Chalk Projects: Saving the Blues We’re proud to showcase projects that bring our vision of nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes to life, benefiting everyone. Today, we’re excited to highlight the Saving the Blues project, led by the Isle of Wight National Landscape. This project is restoring the chalk grasslands of the Isle of Wight, essential for rare butterflies like the Adonis Blue and Chalk Hill Blue. In partnership with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Gift to Nature, and The Garlic Farm, they are creating the ideal conditions for these species to thrive. Through actions like scrub removal, traditional grazing, and improving soil health, we’re transforming sites such as Knighton Down, Brading Down, and Mersley Down—ensuring these landscapes support both wildlife and local communities. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eRmsiJEP And if you think your organisation can help fulfil our mission and support our partners' work, visit: https://lnkd.in/eZYgMenb #BigChalk #SavingTheBlues #NatureRecovery #Wildlife #ChalkGrasslands #Conservation #IsleOfWight Vicky Wilson #BigChalk #NatureRecovery #FarmersForNature #ChalkLandscapes #Conservation #FIPL #NationalLandscapes #ProtectedLandscapes #BigChalkConference #CommunityEngagement #Conservation #Sustainability #TogetherForNature #ChalkLandscapes #PartnershipWorking #ClimateAction #HabitatRestoration #FarmingInProtectedLandscapes #MakingSpaceForNature #PartnershipsForChange #Defra David Hoccom Simon Smith Bruce Winney Ruth Colbridge National Landscapes Association Images: The Garlic Farm, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and Gift for Nature.

In the last of our series celebrating 75 years of the visionary legislation that established our protected landscapes, we’re highlighting the power of citizen science in catalysing and tracking nature’s recovery. In the Chilterns National Landscape, Tracking the Impact is empowering local citizen scientists to measure the success of nature recovery efforts. Volunteers are monitoring key species and habitats, identifying areas for improvement, and helping guide future actions to ensure positive, measurable outcomes for nature. Funded by the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the HS2 Community and Engagement Fund, it dovetails with existing national recording schemes for birds, butterflies and plants, bolstering survey coverage locally and nationally. In Cranborne Chase National Landscape, the award-winning Nurturing Nature project puts local communities at the heart of nature's recovery. From hands-on habitat restoration to biodiversity monitoring, people are actively involved in caring for this distinctive and historic chalk landscape and protecting its rich wildlife. Also funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this landscape partnership includes several county councils, Wildlife Trusts, The Rivers Trust and the National Trust. These inspiring projects showcase how grassroots involvement is helping drive nature's recovery, with communities playing a vital role in shaping healthier, more resilient landscapes for the future. Explore how citizen science is making a difference: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ern5Erfc 👉 https://lnkd.in/eX3VrCDa National Landscapes Association John Watkins Elaine King Kate Heppell Linda Nunn Angela Willis #CitizenScience #NatureRecovery #75YearsOfProtection #NationalLandscapes #ChilternsNationalLandscape #CranborneChaseNationalLandscape #Collaboration #PeoplePower Images: Bird watching volunteers for Tracking the Impact Field survey volunteers for Nurturing Nature Project