A habitat is a place where a plant or animal lives. All living things need shelter, water, food, air and space to survive. Different animals and plants are found in different habitats. They have adapted to the conditions of the habitats in which they live. Most animals are only adapted to live in one or two habitats.
To keep habitats in the best possible condition they need to be cared for. This could be a farmer looking after his arable fields or a nature reserve warden looking after some wetland.
Wildlife has changed and adapted to live in special habitats and depends totally upon them. If there are not many of these habitats, then so also likely to be fewer plants and animals that live there.
By creating, increasing and protecting habitats animals will be able to move more freely between habitats and have better chances of surviving through any changes taking place.
Chalk downland is the iconic habitat of the South Downs but there are many others including heathland, ancient woodland, farmland, coastal and rivers.
Resources Toolbox
General Interest
All Ages
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Chalk Grassland
Introducing chalk grasslands - the European equivalent of tropical rainforests. Covers what they are, where they are found, how they were formed and why its important to look after them. Also looks at what is being done locally in the South Downs to conserve and improve them for the future. -
Forest Snapdragon
Make a simple paper game then play it with friends to learn more about the forest. Created by the Forestry Commission. -
Heathlands Reunited Project Area Schools
Check if your school is eligible for free visits (including transport costs) to heathland sites in the National Park. -
National Parks England - Wildlife Wonders
National Parks provide valuable spaces for nature on a large scale, with special protection for wildlife. Map and infographic of the wildlife highlights in England's National Parks. -
South Downs National Park Interactive Map
This interactive pdf allows you to display a variety of map layers: transport, rivers & coast, settlements, landscape types, contours, historical features, population and geology. Download and open in Adobe Reader to turn layers on and off. -
South Downs National Park Interactive Map - legend
This is the legend for the interactive pdf that allows you to display a variety of map layers. -
The Seven Special Landscapes
The underlying geology of the South Downs influences land form, land use and wildlife, creating places of distinctive character and identity. Discover the seven special landscapes and their key features.
EYFS
Ages 1–5
Pre School
Key Stage 1
Ages 5–7
Years 1 and 2
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A day in the life
An activity to look at what is happening in your school grounds as your special place. -
Bee Scene Botanical Adventure
An activity to find out how good your local area is for bumblebees. Record your results then share them on the Bee Scene website. -
Bee Scene Education Pack
A resource pack full of ideas for activities and expeditions in your local area. Bee Scene will help you find out about wild flowers and bumblebees. -
Bee Scene Flower Identification Chart
A colourful identification chart to help you find flowers that the bumblebees prefer. -
Chalk Grassland Colouring Sheets
Six A4 colouring sheets with some of our best chalk grassland species. -
Heathland Colouring Sheets
Seven A4 colouring sheets of people, wildlife and sculptures inspired by the communities and stories of our heathlands. -
Heathland Top Trumps
A set of 13 top trumps style cards with images and information about heathland specialist species. -
Sense of Place in School Grounds LTL resource
An activity to raise awareness of the school grounds.
Key Stage 2
Ages 7–11
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
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A day in the life
An activity to look at what is happening in your school grounds as your special place. -
Bee Scene Botanical Adventure
An activity to find out how good your local area is for bumblebees. Record your results then share them on the Bee Scene website. -
Bee Scene Education Pack
A resource pack full of ideas for activities and expeditions in your local area. Bee Scene will help you find out about wild flowers and bumblebees. -
Bee Scene Flower Identification Chart
A colourful identification chart to help you find flowers that the bumblebees prefer. -
Chalk Grassland Colouring Sheets
Six A4 colouring sheets with some of our best chalk grassland species. -
Droxford Juniors precious places SOW
Scheme of work on the South Downs National Park 2012. -
Heathland Colouring Sheets
Seven A4 colouring sheets of people, wildlife and sculptures inspired by the communities and stories of our heathlands. -
Heathland Top Trumps
A set of 13 top trumps style cards with images and information about heathland specialist species. -
Sense of Place in School Grounds LTL resource
An activity to raise awareness of the school grounds.
Key Stage 3
Ages 11–14
Years 7, 8 and 9
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Bee Scene Botanical Adventure
An activity to find out how good your local area is for bumblebees. Record your results then share them on the Bee Scene website. -
Bee Scene Education Pack
A resource pack full of ideas for activities and expeditions in your local area. Bee Scene will help you find out about wild flowers and bumblebees. -
Bee Scene Flower Identification Chart
A colourful identification chart to help you find flowers that the bumblebees prefer. -
Chalk Grassland
Introducing chalk grasslands - the European equivalent of tropical rainforests. Covers what they are, where they are found, how they were formed and why its important to look after them. Also looks at what is being done locally in the South Downs to conserve and improve them for the future. -
Heathland Top Trumps
A set of 13 top trumps style cards with images and information about heathland specialist species.
Key Stage 4
Ages 14–16
Years 10 and 11
Key Stage 5
Ages 16–18
Years 12 and 13