We care for approximatey 10km of the White Cliffs of Dover. The cliffs are not only a national landmark but also an important place for rare species of wildlife, including butterflies, birds and wildflowers.
The chalk downland, or 'calcareous grassland', that is found on the cliff tops is formed where the chalk eroded to form gently rolling hills. Here, where the downland meets the sea, the chalk's face is exposed to form the famous White Cliffs.
A combination of shallow soils which are exposed to the wind and rain make it difficult for large plants to become established. In this harsh environment no single type of plant can dominate, instead, small clumps or patches of a wide variety of plants thrive together.
Historically, this chalk grassland was created by allowing animals to graze the cliff tops. This traditional form of agriculture created the landscape that we see today; however, modern farming techniques including the use of fertilizers, herbicides and even tractors, can easily destroy it.
Extending our work
In 2017, following a £1 million fundraising campaign, we acquired an additional stretch of land above the White Cliffs of Dover.
Running parallel to the cliffs, inland, this area of farmland had been intensively farmed for many decades. Since the acquisition, we have been working hard to reverse the effects of farming, which had depleted the land of wildlife. This work has connected the existing chalk grassland on top of the cliffs, bringing the two areas together, making a rich and varied habitat for a variety of species.