Changing Chalk Legacy and Stories
- Published:
- 21 July 2026
Changing Chalk was a four-year partnership programme delivered between 2022 and 2026. This page brings together the programme's key legacy content, including films, reports and stories that capture its achievements, learning and lasting impact. Together, these resources provide a lasting record of the partnership and celebrate the people, places and projects that helped shape the eastern South Downs, from Shoreham to Eastbourne.
Legacy Film
The Changing Chalk Legacy Film reflects on four years of partnership working, celebrating the programme's achievements, learning and lasting impact.
Through the voices of partners, participants and those involved in delivering the programme, the film explores how four years of collaboration helped restore habitats, uncover heritage, strengthen communities and inspired more people to connect with the South Downs.
Changing Chalk: From Vision to Legacy
The Changing Chalk Legacy Film reflects on four years of partnership working, celebrating the programme's achievements, learning and lasting impact. Through the voices of partners, participants and those involved in delivering the programme, the film explores how four years of collaboration helped restore habitats, uncover heritage, strengthen communities and inspired more people to connect with
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End of Project Report
Our End of Project Report ‘From Vision to Legacy’ brings together the story of Changing Chalk, highlighting the partnership's achievements, learning and impact over four years.
It includes programme highlights, key statistics, case studies and reflections from across the partnership, demonstrating how collaborative working has delivered lasting benefits for nature, people and heritage.
Authentic Voices films
The Authentic Voices film series shares the personal stories of people who took part in Changing Chalk. Through volunteering, creativity and wellbeing, the films explore the many ways people connected with the eastern South Downs and the lasting difference those experiences made.
Changing Chalk: Volunteering for Nature
Across the South Downs, people are giving their time to care for rare chalk grassland, learn about the landscapes on their doorstep and play a vital role in protecting nature and heritage.
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Wellbeing and Connection in the Downs
The South Downs are a place to breathe, reflect and reconnect. This film explores how spending time in nature can support wellbeing, build confidence and create a sense of belonging.
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Changing Chalk: Creative Connections with the Downs
For thousands of years, the South Downs have inspired creativity, storytelling and connection. This film explores how art, heritage and creativity help people express their relationship with the landscape.
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From Vision to Legacy
Read the From Vision to Legacy article to discover how an ambitious idea grew into a successful landscape partnership, transforming habitats, connecting communities and creating a lasting legacy for the eastern South Downs.
Changing Chalk is a partnership project led by the National Trust, connecting nature, people and heritage across the South Downs. Working with communities, land managers, volunteers and creatives, Changing Chalk supports nature recovery, wellbeing, learning and access to heritage, helping more people feel connected to the landscape now and into the future.
Thanks and acknowledgements
These films were made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers, partners and communities across the Downs who shared their time, stories and voices.
Changing Chalk has been made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
With thanks also to The Linbury Trust, players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and other generous supporters of Changing Chalk.
