Since 2018 and 2019, Simon Smith, our Nature Recovery Lead, has been working with a number of colleagues from other national landscapes on Big Chalk – an ambitious programme of work which aims to restore a mosaic of habitats across an enormous stretch of calcareous landscape in southern England.
After several years of collaboration, the project launched publicly with the Big Chalk Conference 2024 in early September. The partnership of over 150 like-minded organisations showcased how forging vital connections between nature recovery projects across the chalk and limestone landscapes of southern England can achieve a sustainable approach to nature recovery. By uniting resources and expertise, the collective work covers a fifth of England, and aims to build a dynamic nature recovery network that will be central to the UK’s pledge to protect 30% of land and halt the decline of nature by 20230.
The conference was the start of an exciting new chapter in the Big Chalk story. With a programme packed full of best practise, ongoing work, and site visits, delegates were energised to carry forward the work with unparalleled commitment.
Photo: Libra Photographic