Go to The South Downs National Park Main website

Although it is iconic, chalk grassland only makes up 4% of the National Park habitats

The River Itchen. A rich chalk river habitat with a wide diversity of plant and animal life. | © Nigel Ridgen

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs – The hedgehog | © Mark Greco

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs – The Blackbird | © Mark Greco

Woolmer Forest

Orchids, Beacon Hill

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs -The goldcrest | © Mark Greco

Mark Greco wildlife prints Silk screen and giclée prints of wildlife of the South Downs – The treecreeper | © Mark Greco

Tree creeper – A small woodland bird that eats insects found on tree trunks.

Stag beetle – A fascinating beetle that spends years as a larvae growing in rotting wood

Oak hook-tip moth – A well camoflaged moth; the larva feeds on oak

Corn marigold – A brightly coloured wild flower that often grows as a weed in corn fields but is an important nectar source for insects and bees

Barley – A common cereal crop grow for food, brewing and animal feed.

Stone curlew – A rare summer visitor to the South of England. Will they been seen the the South Downs this year?

Chalkhill blue butterfly – A beautiful butterfly seen on chalk grassland, especially on horseshoe vetch.

Birdsfoot trefoil – A food plant for many butterflies including many “blues” that are found in the South Downs

Bee orchid – A beautiful “bee like” flower that can be seen in June and July on chalk grassland

Southdown sheep – A sturdy local breed that grazes on grassland

Bog bush cricket – Typically found in bogs and wet heathland.

Sundews – carnivorous plants that are specially adapted to live in wet, nutrient poor, acidic soils.

Sand lizard – A sand lizard can grow up to 25cm long!

Barn Owl – often found on Farmland where they hunt for small mammals.

Adder – one of our native reptiles

Map 4.1 Distribution of designated wildlife sites of national and/or international importance | Maps prepared by: GeoSpec, University of Brighton; April 2012. | Source: Natural England, 2011 | Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright © Licence No. 100050083.

Bee Scene Botanical Adventure

August 22nd, 2015

An activity to find out how good your local area is for bumblebees. Record your results then share them on the Bee Scene website.