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Connecting the Heart of Wiltshire: Wiltshire Chalk Partnership Receives Big Chalk Grant to Connect Chalk Landscapes

We are thrilled to announce that the Wiltshire Chalk Partnership (WCP) has been awarded funding for its project: Connecting the Heart of Wiltshire's Chalk Grassland. This initiative will create a joined up approach to restoring one of the UK’s most precious and threatened habitats; chalk grassland. The project will focus on a critical mosaic of 15 land parcels across the historic Wansdyke, creating a more resilient and connected landscape for nature to thrive.

The project has been awarded nearly £75,000 by the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund and is designed to bridge the gaps in our fragmented calcareous grasslands. By focusing on 121 hectares of land, the partnership will enhance the stepping stones that allow rare species to move, feed, and breed across the county.

The project will support:

  • Habitat Creation: Establishing 15.47 hectares of enhanced swards specifically designed to support struggling butterfly and invertebrate populations.
     
  • Infrastructure for Conservation: Installing 550m of fencing and over 1km of water supply to allow for precision conservation grazing - using livestock to maintain the perfect grass height for rare flora and fauna.
     
  • Scrub Management: Clearing nearly 40 hectares of encroaching scrub to reclaim and establish high-quality, species-rich chalk grassland.

A Partnership for Nature

This project will be built on partnerships, uniting 10 independent farmers from the Pewsey Downs Farmers Group, Natural England (Pewsey Downs National Nature Reserve), and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (Morgan’s Hill and Jones’ Mill).

By working across both private and protected land, the project ensures that nature recovery happens at a landscape scale, rather than in isolation.

Jo Lewis, CEO of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said:

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is delighted to be collaborating with the Pewsey Downs Farmers Group and Natural England through our Wiltshire Chalk Partnership. This funding support from Big Chalk allows us toThis funding allows us to turn years of research into tangible action. By improving habitat condition and connectivity, we are creating a future where iconic species like the Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritillary, and the Wart-biter bush cricket can truly flourish across the Wansdyke.

 

Delivering Big Chalk Priorities

As part of the wider Big Chalk mission, this project directly tackles the most urgent needs of our environment:

  • Species-rich grasslands: Restoring the rare chalk grassland of the UK.
  • Wildlife-friendly farming: Supporting farmers to integrate conservation into their business models.
  • Climate Resilience: New scrapes and butterfly banks will provide diverse micro-climates, helping species survive increasingly unpredictable weather.

Looking Ahead

With permissions already in place, work will begin promptly. The project will provide a vital nature corridor for our rare chalk species, securing habitats for them to thrive in for generations to come.

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This project is supported by the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund, funded through the Protected Landscapes Partnership with support from Defra.

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