Once complete, the restoration of one of the region’s most precious chalk grassland, will provide improved conditions for orchids, cowslip, harebell, and butterflies such as the Chalk Hill Blue and the nationally scarce Duke of Burgundy.
Over the next three years, the Boosting Butser’s Butterflies project will restore 48 hectares of chalk grassland and woodland edge. Key works include installing features that will help reinstate the chalk landscape and reintroducing a natural water supply to enable areas to be grazed by animals - a more natural, less intensive approach to managing this fragile habitat. The funding will also improve visitor access to this area of Butser and provide natural features that will screen the view of pylons on the horizon.
Funding has come from the following organisations:
£99,000 from National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI)
£20,000 grant from the Big Chalk Partnership’s Nature Recovery Fund
£40,000 from the South Downs National Park Authority’s Community Infrastructure Levy.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Universal Services: “Protecting and enhancing Hampshire’s natural environment is one of our key priorities, and this project shows how practical action can deliver real benefits for both people and wildlife. It will enrich this treasured landscape, creating more opportunities for nature to thrive while ensuring it remains a wonderful place for residents and visitors to enjoy, helping us meet the challenges of a changing climate.
“We greatly welcome this generous support from our partners, which will help deliver important conservation work for rare flowers, insects and other wildlife. Hampshire’s chalk grasslands are among the most diverse and valuable habitats in Europe and protecting them is essential. By working together, we can preserve these unique landscapes and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Allison Potts, Director of Landscape and Operations for the National Park, said: “Butterflies are synonymous with the South Downs National Park and chalk grassland is an amazing habitat for so many species of animals and plants, so we’re pleased to be working with partners on this very exciting project.
“We want more nature everywhere for everyone, as we collectively tackle huge challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss and this initiative will enhance a really key site in the National Park.”
Chris Baines, Independent Chair of the Stakeholder Advisory Group for National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision project, said: “The Landscape Enhancement Initiative has already shown how carefully targeted funding can make a real and lasting contribution to some of our most valued and precious landscapes across England and Wales. With the UK being the most nature-depleted country in Europe, National Grid’s LEI is helping to show that we really can restore natural landscapes and begin to bring wildlife back
“At Butser Hill, this support will help restore and strengthen a nationally important chalk grassland habitat, improving the setting of the landscape while creating better conditions for wildlife and a richer experience for everyone who visits.”
Caroline Svendsen, Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund manager said: “Through the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund, we’re proud to have helped bring mains water to a key area of Butser Hill – a vital step that will enable grazing to return and unlock the full potential of this remarkable chalk grassland for wildlife. Congratulations to Hampshire County Council for bringing together a true jigsaw of funding partners to make this ambitious project a reality.
“By working collectively, we can achieve far more for nature, and this project is a powerful example of the Big Chalk Partnership vision in action – restoring, connecting and strengthening our precious chalk and limestone habitats for generations to come.”
Restoring the water source at the Reserve, alongside long-term grazing, will improve soil quality, increase floral diversity, and create vital refuges for species that depend on healthy chalk grassland, including pollinators.
In addition, the work will also reduce wildfire risk, mitigate the landscape impact of nearby pylons, support better land management, and enhance natural carbon storage - the process by which plants and soils absorb and retain carbon from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. South Downs Rangers will support the County Council’s countryside team with volunteer tasks and impact monitoring.
This investment forms part of a wider effort to revive and reconnect chalk and limestone ecosystems across southern England. It follows the publication of the County Council’s first Biodiversity Duty Report, which sets out the full range of work taking place in this important area. Read more here: What is nature recovery? | Environment | Hampshire County Council.