Old Surrey Downs Project

Chalk grassland is one of our most beautiful and richest wildlife habitats. Over 50 kinds of wild flower can be found in a square metre. These plants support a rich and varied wildlife - some of which can only be found here.

The North Downs was once covered in flower-rich chalk grassland. Most of it has now gone. Only 1% survives on the Surrey Hills.

We will restore our beautiful chalk grassland by:

• Cutting back the scrub that overshadows chalk grassland
• Using sheep, goats and cattle to control the growth of coarse vegetation, which will allow wild flowers to grow
• Raising the interest of local communities in their local chalk grassland by providing opportunites for involvement and enjoyment - working partioes, walks, talks and open days.