Conservation Management
Chalk downland requires management in order to stem the continuing
losses of this habitat. 62% of lowland calcareous grasslands were assessed
as being in an unfavourable condition in 2001. The conversion from unfavourable
to favourable condition will benefit many species of flora and fauna
associated with chalk downland.
Scrub and scots pine encroachment are major problems and much work
is being undertaken to remove significant amounts of these, thereby
allowing the development of high quality chalk downland.
Inappropriate historic management including lack of adequate grazing
has led to the development of rank grassland, as well as scrub encroachment.
In such areas grazing by livestock will be reintroduced.
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