English Heritage, Kent Wildlife Trust, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and the Western Heights Preservation Society have come together with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore 80 hectares of precious chalk grassland habitat across Dover Castle and the Western Heights in Dover it was announced today, Thursday, 21st November 2024.
The project, which has just begun and will run until December 2026, will create vital habitat for key species such as early spider orchid, lesser calamint and adonis blue butterfly as well as the chough which is currently being reintroduced to the area through a Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust led programme.
The work to restore this special landscape will provide stepping stones allowing species to travel across already established nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest to the east and west of Dover, therefore making them more resilient to the effects of climate change by enlarging their habitats. At the same time, by clearing the overgrown scrub which has taken hold across the area, the restoration of chalk grassland will reveal defensive earthworks going back 2,000 years, helping Dover’s rich heritage to be enjoyed and understood. A mixed breed livestock herd will be introduced for long-term management through conservation grazing.
As part of the project, opportunities will be created to help local people gain the wellbeing benefits of connecting with natural and historical spaces and share stories about what the places mean to them through a range of arts and engagement activities. New volunteering opportunities will also be created including English Heritage’s first nature volunteers. A year-long paid Community Engagement Placement will be fully funded by the project and an apprentice countryside ranger role will be part-funded.
English Heritage Head of Estates Dave Hedges, said:
“This is the first project to launch as part of English Heritage’s new nature strategy and where better than in Dover where the world renowned white cliffs offer such rich heritage and landscape combined. We so grateful for the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and we can’t wait to get started.”
White Cliffs Countryside Partnership Director Richard Haynes, said:
“This project is an excellent opportunity to bring together heritage and nature conservation organisations to work together to conserve and improve the chalk grassland and protect the built heritage of the largest Napoleonic era fortification in the UK, the Western Heights, whilst promoting and increasing accessibility for the public.”
Ian Rickards, Area Manager, Kent Wildlife Trust said:
"We're delighted to be working alongside our partners yet again to restore more areas of chalk grasslands, which have declined nationally by 97% in recent years. This initiative aims to breathe life back into these precious ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and preserving both our natural and historic heritage for future generations. Chalk grasslands are not just beautiful; they support a wealth of unique flora and fauna and have been likened to rainforests for their biodiversity benefits. And, having worked with Wildwood Trust last year to reintroduce Chough back into Dover's skies, the timing really could not be better!"
Western Heights Preservation Society Vice Chair Jon Iveson, said:
“This is really good news for Dover and for the Western Heights. We are looking forward to working more closely with English Heritage and White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and Dover District Council. Together we can really make a difference to protect, conserve and enhance this amazing site.”
This project has been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.