Chalk downland is one of the richest habitats in Western Europe, supporting up to 40 plant species per m2 and a multitude of invertebrates. Britain contains c.50% of the world’s chalk downland with a significant swathe of it present in the London boroughs of Bromley, Croydon and Sutton, including London Wildlife Trust reserves like Saltbox Hill. Sadly, Britain has lost 80% of its chalk downlands in the last 75 years largely due to changes in land use and pressure from urbanisation.

We will restore chalk downland habitat in Croydon and Bromley for butterflies and other pollinators. This will benefit a huge variety of other species that depend on healthy downland, from orchids to lizards. Engaging local volunteers, we will work on five nature reserves with chalk downland to ensure these sites continue on their road to recovery. We will be carrying out wildlife surveys to better inform site management and to investigate the possibility of reintroductions.