Runways become meadows in South Downs National Park

Runways become meadows in South Downs National Park

July 13, 2023

A former Second World War RAF base that is being transformed into a better place for nature will be hosting an open day this month.

Gayles Farm sits high on the South Downs above Seven Sisters Country Park. During the war it became RAF Friston and the skies rang with the sound of Spitfires and Hurricane aircraft. In the lead up to D-Day, 1,400 airmen were stationed at the farm.

Fast forward almost 80 years and the former arable farm is currently one of the focuses of Changing Chalk, a pioneering project led by the National Trust to help restore biodiversity in rare chalk grassland habitats.

Thyone Outram, from Changing Chalk, explained: “We’ve been changing its use, so it better supports the local chalk downland wildlife.

“We’ve planted the old runways with a meadow grassland mix full of wildflowers. The total area planted amounts to 10 hectares, approximately 25 football pitches, and will help wildlife move across the landscape while the farm provides good food for its animals that maintain the chalk grassland.”

The flowers have been blooming and, to celebrate, the National Trust is hosting Glorious Gayles Festival on Sunday, 16 July from 11am to 4pm. There are a range of activities to join including insect experiences, flint knapping, archaeology, meet the sheep and pony and trap rides. More information about the event is here.

Gayles Farm is just one of a long list of successes for Changing Chalk in the first year of the four-year project, which is supported by £2.23m of National Lottery Heritage funding.

The South Downs National Park Authority, which is a partner in the initiative, is currently working with farmers and landowners to establish more conservation grazing to help restore and improve chalk grassland.

The Authority will also be driving the restoration of five dew ponds to help wildlife thrive. The restored dew ponds, all close to the South Downs Way national trail, will have potential for wider interpretation and education.

For more information about Changing Chalk, click here