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Topic: Chalk grassland

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	Isle of Wight chalk grassland
		Chalk grassland is the name given to the specific community of plants - both grasses and wildflowers (herbs) - which is able to tolerate the alkaline soil conditions found in areas where the underlying bedrock is chalk.
		Thus our remaining chalk grassland has been identified as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitat, and many areas are given additional protection from future mismanagement by being designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
		Herb-rich chalk grassland generally requires either continuous light grazing or heavier periodic grazing to keep the sward height down and prevent the encroachment of coarse grasses and scrub.
	www.wightconservation.co.uk /chalk_grassland.html (501 words)

	Downland - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
		Chalk deposits are very porous, so the height of the water table in chalk hills rises in winter and falls in summer.
		The soil profile of chalk downland in England is a thin soil overlaying the parent chalk.
		Chalk downland is often unsuitable for intensive agriculture, horticulture or development, because of the nutrient-poor, shallow soil and difficult slopes.
	en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Downland (731 words)

	Chalk Grassland HAP (Site not responding. Last check: )
		Chalk grassland is now largely confined to the steeper slopes, such as along valley sides and notably the steep north-facing escarpment.
		Chalk heath is a unique combination of plants commonly found on chalk grassland (including species such as dropwort and salad burnet) alongside plants commonly found on acid heathland (such as heather, tormentil and heath bedstraw).
		Shimwell D.W (1973) An introduction to the geography and ecology of chalk grassland.
	www.biodiversitysussex.org /chalkgrass.htm (5312 words)

	London Biodiversity Partnership
		Chalk grasslands develop on shallow lime-rich soils, notably on the downland of south-east England.
		In London, chalk grassland is largely restricted to the southern edge of the metropolitan boundary.
		Where former chalk grassland has been lost to previous arable conversion, there is the potential for reversion to grassland which can become quite species rich.
	www.lbp.org.uk /02audit_pages/au05_chalk.html (407 words)

	Windsor Hill SSSI - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
		Juniper scrub occurs on Windsor Hill itself, where it is associated with various other typical chalk shrubs and chalk grassland with an abundance of the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum and Common Valerian Valeriana officinalis.
		On Kop Hill, hawthorn dominates the scrub, and the grassland is less mossy.
		A further small area of chalk grassland dominated by Wood False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum and Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca occurs at the foot of Pink Hill.
	en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Windsor_Hill_SSSI (549 words)

	Chalk grassland and chalk downs (University of Paisley: Biodiversity Reference) page 1
		Limestones composed substantially of oolites – tiny, spherical, concentric concretions – are softer, with greater porosity and larger pores and consequent greater permeability to water, and limestones derived from corals or consisting substantially of shell and coral fragments tend to be highly porous and with large pores.
		Chalk sediments contain various inclusions, including occasional seams of marl, localised fossiliferous beds (especially ammonites and other molluscs) and, most conspicuously, layers or nodules of flint – the hard, silicaceous material that was worked in prehistoric times for knives, axes, arrow-heads and similar tools and weapons.
		Chalk slopes are also freely draining, both by surface run-off and by water soaking into the bedrock, and ability to survive periodic drought conditions is a requirement for survival in this habitat.
	www-biol.paisley.ac.uk /bioref/Habitats/ChalkDowns1.html (1754 words)

	The RSPB: Conservation: Wiltshire chalk grassland project
		Wiltshire is characterised by chalk grassland studded with flowers and butterflies, and with skylarks singing overhead.
		With as many as 40 plants per square metre, chalk grassland is on a par with the rainforests in terms of the number of species of flora and fauna it supports.
		From meadow ants to orchids to the rare stone-curlew, chalk grassland is host to many rare and threatened species that are adapted to nutrient-poor, chalky soils.
	www.rspb.org.uk /ourwork/conservation/projects/chalk.asp (844 words)

	Sussex Downs Landscape Assessment
		The open chalk escarpment landscape predominates along the chalk escarpment to the east of the Arun valley and is therefore most commonly associated with the open east chalk uplands.
		Wind gaps occur wherever the principal chalk valleys have broken through the escarpment; at such points the ridge is seen in profile and the defined landscape type broadens to include the valley sides of the escarpment summit.
		The windswept, exposed ridgetop is juxtaposed with the hidden, secretive landscape of the deep coombes on the chalk plateau to the south and spectacular panoramic views across the patchwork maze of the farmland to the north.
	www.vic.org.uk /edu/sdla/13.htm (2180 words)

	Rare chalk grassland takes 50 years to recover from military use
		Rare and fragmented chalk grasslands may take at least half a century to recover from the damage done to them by military training, according to new research published in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Applied Ecology.
		They found that, while neutral (mesotrophic) grasslands took between 30 and 40 years to re-establish after disturbance during military training, areas of chalk grassland took at least 50 years to recover.
		"Chalk grasslands remain a rare and fragmented habitat type in north-west Europe, and outside Salisbury Plain, the rolling chalk downlands of southern England, much of which enjoy statutory protection, provide recreational resources for walking, horse riding and cycling.
	www.eurekalert.org /pub_releases/2005-06/bpl-rcg061505.php (384 words)

	Portsdown Hill - Management Plan. Culture (Site not responding. Last check: )
		The ecology of Portsdown Hill, like all chalk grassland sites, is therefore strongly modified by centuries of extensive grazing and to some extent intermittent cultivation which followed the clearance of primeval forest by Neolithic farmers about 5-6 thousand years ago.
		Chalk grassland is considered a plagio-climax in which natural succession is held in check by human intervention.
		The abundance of scrub on Portsdown suggests that bushes invade the coarse grassland, however this may be slowed by a large population of Microtus agrestis (Field Vole) that eat the bark of developing scrub, (Smith 1980).
	www.portsdown.org /info/mgmnt/mg_04_cult.htm (5149 words)

	Chalk downland
		In Hampshire, due to the exclusive occurrence of calcareous grassland on chalk, these grasslands are often referred to as chalk grasslands or downlands.
		Direct loss of remaining chalk downland as a result of conversion to arable and agriculturally improved grassland: through fertiliser, herbicide and pesticide application and spray drift and run-off from adjacent intensively managed agricultural land.
		Convene a Hampshire chalk grassland forum as a means of disseminating best management practice, raising awareness of the habitat and to co-ordinate research and monitoring projects throughout the county.
	www.havantnature.ndirect.co.uk /downland.htm (3305 words)

	Grassland conservation (Site not responding. Last check: )
		The grasslands most valued for wildlife are generally rich in wild flowers and insect life, particularly butterflies.
		Unimproved grasslands come in various types, depending on the underlying soils and the way they are managed.
		The most valued grasslands are on chalk soils (often called ‘chalk downlands’) because they contain so many plants, including rare species.
	www.kentishstour.org.uk /conserving_grasslands.htm (340 words)

	Wildlife - South Downs Way - National Trails
		Classic chalk downland is one of the richest habitats on earth when viewed close up; there can be over 50 species of plants per square metre.
		The new grassland still doesn't look quite like the old, and certainly hasn't got the same diversity of species, but the hope is that it will continue to improve.
		The famous white chalk cliffs erode a little every year so without the chance to "retreat" the clifftop plants would certainly be lost in the next century or so.
	www.nationaltrail.co.uk /Southdowns/text.asp?PageId=32 (2245 words)

	Jo (J.H.) Willems (Site not responding. Last check: )
		In 1970 I started a survey of chalk grassland ecosystems in western Europe; it was my Ph.D. project.
		This type of grassland is extremely rich in species at a small scale, and sometimes contains more than 50 Phanerogams and 15 Cryptogams on a single square meter.
		In this project all Orchid individuals, either in their vegetative or generative stages, were monitored in a series of permanent plots over successive years.
	www.bio.uu.nl /~boev/staff/personal/jwillems/jwillems.htm (556 words)

	Horndean Fauna, Flora, Wildlife, Conservation and Trees : Local Wildlife Habitats in the Horndean Area
		Traditional flower rich chalk downland with wildlife and archaeological interest set within a woodland fringe and with panoramic views to the south.
		A wooded scarp with ancient semi natural woodland and a small area of chalk grassland on the lower slopes (Stubbins Down) providing a mix of habitats including coppice, high forest, butterfly meadows and pasture.
		Area of broadleaved woodland, mainly beech and rich chalk grassland, home to many scarce plants, butterflies and the rare cheese snail.
	wildlife.vigay.com /localareas (1491 words)

	Defra UK; ERDP - Schemes - ESAs - South Downs ESA
		The range of hills is bounded on the northern side by a steep escarpment and characterised by rolling chalk downland and dry valleys.
		Unimproved chalk grassland can be very species-rich and supports many rare species of plants, invertebrates and birds.
		Reversion of arable land to permanent chalk grassland, and the reversion of arable land to permanent grassland (other than chalk).
	www.defra.gov.uk /erdp/schemes/esas/stage1/southdowns.htm (497 words)

	Devil's Dyke Restoration Project : Leaflet - Text Only
		Existing areas of open grassland are to be maintained and enhanced by establishing a management regime that will allow plants to flower and set seed before being mown or grazed in order to maintain the open grassland and discourage invasive scrub.
		The grassland on the embankments is home to a wonderful variety of wild flowers, herbs, butterflies and other insects, many of which are now nationally or regionally rare.
		Stretching across the open chalk lands between the impassable fenland to the north and the thickly wooded land to the south, it would have formed an effective barrier.
	www.devilsdykeproject.org.uk /leaf01.html (1579 words)

	Entertainments & Events
		The chalk of the cliffs, however, was formed over a period of 30 million years when a warm sub tropical sea covered the area, between 95-65 million years ago.
		Increased demand for food leads to loss of chalk grassland to intensive farming with the use of artificial fertilisers.
		After the Second World War large areas of chalk grassland were ploughed up for arable farming and in all 25% of the chalk grassland of the South Downs was lost between 1966 and 1980.
	www.eastbourne.org /tourism/beachyhead/geology.php (940 words)

	Camb. Flora Part I: Linum perenne subsp. anglicum (Site not responding. Last check: )
		In chalk grassland, verge on east side of A.11 between North and South Rd. of Abington Land Settlement Association, 516.480, 1955; much disturbed and eroded by road widening, c.1960; not found again, Pop.
		Chalk grassland amongst hawthorn, flowers blue, heterostylous, Babraham Hall Estate, 5m SE of Cambridge, DJ Ockendon, (No. GB2), 24.7.1965; 500 plants, Ockendon, 1967 Appx 2, p 166.
		Chalk grassland on SW facing slope of Signal Hill, 516.515, G Crompton.
	www.mnlg.com /gc/species1/l/lin_per_sub_ang.html (4579 words)

	the Orchid - Publications \| Kent Downs
		The additional importance of roadside verges is that they support a large number of native grassland species, which have largely avoided the applications of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers.
		For example, on a chalk grassland verge, silver spotted skipper, Adonis blue and chalkhill butterfly prefer the short sward and bare chalk whilst marble white butterfly prefer long tussocky grass.
		On some chalk banks, late in the summer you may be lucky to see the unusual autumn gentian or delicate autumn lady’s tresses.
	www.kentdowns.org.uk /orchid_5_3.asp (564 words)

	Conservation in Godmersham (Site not responding. Last check: )
		Chalk grassland is rich in fragrant herbs, orchids and butterflies.
		This was the first chalk grassland Countryside Stewardship agreement that the KSCP helped with.
		In 1996 23.2 ha of chalk grassland went into the scheme ensuring no chemicals or fertilisers would be added to this grassland and that the grazing regime would suit the rare wildflowers and butterflies.
	www.kentishstour.org.uk /godmersham.htm (620 words)

	Habitats
		The management of chalk grassland for butterflies (1986)
		A guide to the ecological requirements of all the British butterflies which breed on chalk grassland, a discussion of management methods and an introduction to monitoring techniques.
		Heather damage: a guide to types of damage and their causes.
	www.jncc.gov.uk /page-2153 (344 words)

	Wildlife Habitats
		An outstanding range of butterflies is found on the down, from the silver-spotted skipper and Adonis blue on very short turf to the dark-green fritillary and marbled white in the longer grassland.
		All the grassland is important for ground-nesting birds, such as skylark and grey partridge and also hares, whose numbers have severely declined on farmland in recent years.
		Areas of mixed scrub and grassland edge are especially rich for wildlife, providing shelter and a range of food sources in close proximity.
	www.nfdc.gov.uk /index.cfm?articleid=4528 (258 words)

	Hitchin.Net - Visit Hitchin, historic Hertfordshire market town
		The valley slopes and chalk grasslands are home to many rare and beautiful wildflowers and make a great day outdoors for all the family.
		The chalk grassland which remains today on the steepest slopes of the Pegsdon Hills is a remnant of the pastures which once covered much of the downs.
		Sheep and rabbits grazed the original pastures, preventing scrub and trees from invading the grassland and maintaining the balance between grass and flowers.
	www.hitchin.net /leisure/walks (417 words)

	downland conservation and biodiversity in uk farming (Site not responding. Last check: )
		Scrub incursion had covered 30% of a chalk grassland ecosystem and was threatening its permanent loss.
		For conservation and landscape improvement, in particular to improve the chalk grassland.
		A stock fence was placed around a chalk grassland area and cattle were re-intoduced to clear the scrub.
	www.ukagriculture.com /uk_farming_activities/conservation/conservation_downland.html (361 words)

	Bucks CC - Countryside - Biodiversity Action Plan - Calcareous Grassland (Site not responding. Last check: )
		Calcareous grassland is associated with distinct topographic features such as escarpments or dry valley slopes and ancient earth works.
		Although the majority of calcareous grassland occurs within the Chilterns it is also found on the Cornbrash and Oolitic limestone in the north of the County.
		Initiating the restoration and creation of chalk grassland will begin to address key issues such as fragmentation and isolation whilst also increasing the overall health and status of this resource within the County.
	www.buckscc.gov.uk /countryside/biodiversity/biodiversity_action_plan/habitat1A.stm (1509 words)

	New Page 1
		At the time the farm was all arable, the last grassland fields having been ploughed in the 1970s.
		Charles was keen to restore native chalk grassland and habitats for skylarks, brown hare and grey partridge.
		This site is a narrow strip of grassland (approximately one acre/0.3 hectare) that was part of the adjacent allotments until sown with clover and rye-grass in the 1990s.
	homepage.ntlworld.com /sue-everett/meadowmaker.htm (1398 words)

	Action plan for Lowland calcareous grassland
		These grasslands are now largely found on distinct topographic features such as escarpments or dry valley slopes and sometimes on ancient earthworks in landscapes strongly influenced by the underlying limestone geology.
		While limestone grassland in Northern Ireland has affinities to CG9, it is largely confined to open upland localities and around their margins; some CG6 has also been recorded, but only in very small and scattered stands around the coast.
		Since Countryside Stewardship does not differentiate between upland and lowland calcareous grassland the figure presented for current expenditure is a proportion of the total expenditure equivalent to the area of lowland as compared to upland calcareous grassland.
	www.ukbap.org.uk /UKPlans.aspx?ID=12 (2525 words)

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