The Changing Chalk partnership
Chalk grassland is a globally important habitat which has sadly been in decline since the end of the Second World War.
The partnership aims to connect landowners, farmers and communities around Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne and Lewes with the pockets of chalk grassland along the eastern end of the South Downs.
The partnership consists of conservation organisations, farmers, community organisations, research institutions and local authorities.
*The Changing Chalk partnership comprises 10 core partners and is led by the National Trust:
- Brighton & Hove City Council
- Brighton & Hove Food Partnership
- Buglife
- Lewes and Eastbourne Councils
- Living Coast Biosphere
- National Trust (Lead partner)
- Natural England
- Railway Land Wildlife Trust
- South Downs National Park Authority
- Sussex Wildlife Trust
Each core partner is a project lead for one or more projects in Changing Chalk. However partners will work collaboratively across projects and themes, as well as at cross-partnership and strategic levels.
In addition, the following delivery partners will provide specialist activity on specific projects:
- Historic England
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Writing our Legacy
The partnership will also work closely with a number of community organisations and other stakeholders to co-create and deliver project activities.
The project is being supported with a £2.23m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.
This grant will help restore rare habitats and lost landscapes, bring history and local cultures to life and provide new experiences in the outdoors to those in need.
In addition, the project will also provide around 2,500 volunteers with the chance to learn new skills and to support the partnership’s vision.