Scrub Off!

The main aim of the project is to work with landowners to restore vitally important pockets of calcareous (chalk or limestone) grassland on Local Wildlife Sites across our three counties, focusing on the North Chilterns Chalk, Rockingham Forest and John Clare Country Living Landscapes. Our Wildlife Sites Officers will help landowners restore a minimum of 12 calcareous grassland Local Wildlife Sites to a condition where scrub is not detrimental and sites can be maintained more easily. Lowland calcareous grassland is a Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat and these sites play a critical role in the conservation of the UK’s natural heritage by acting as stepping stones and corridors linking wildlife spaces. However, only around half are in positive management. We will work with contractors and volunteers to clear scrub, install fencing where practical, reintroduce hay cuts and sow wildflower seed.