In 2017, the Old Chalk New Downs (OCND) project began thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project aimed to ambitiously protect, reconnect, and improve chalk downland habitats on a landscape scale within the Kent North Downs. The project team prioritised collaborative working sought sort out organisations and stakeholders to help achieve their vision.

From the start, Kent Wildlife Trust was a key partner, sitting on the OCND steering group and sharing their knowledge and expertise. Eight KWT sites sit within OCND project area, providing numerous opportunities to fund habitat improvement works and achieve mutual long-term goals.

As with much of the OCND capital works, the primary focus for most sites was to remove scrub and encroaching woodland, as well as repairing and installing stock-proof fencing to support long term conservation grazing management. Some sites have also benefitted from interpretation boards and benches to improve public accessibility, as well as the introduction of seed mixes and the creation of a new pond to boost biodiversity.

New fencing at Burham Downs to allow conservation grazing has resulted in a large reduction of brambles and a now flower-rich field, with rare species such as ground pine being recorded. The site has also received an increase in anecdotal records of Adders, a legally protected reptile species under UK Law.

Extensive weed control was carried out at Nashenden Down Nature Reserve and the addition of turtle dove seed mix extended the flowering time throughout the seasons and provided florist diversity. The OCND project also supported the sites’ first reinstated pond, which was so successful that the Trust has gone on to install five additional ponds. The site is now being managed to allow nature to lead its recovery through sheep and pig grazing. The long-term hope is to no longer need heavy machinery for management, with the pigs rootling doing the job needed.

Blue Bell Hill was one of the first sites to have work carried out as part of the OCND project, with community events taking place, works to extend the view and the installation of interpretation boards. The works were well received by visitors, particularly the picnic benches with information boards which depict species that may be seen across the site.

The works across all sites have not only supported the long-term protection and improvement of habitats across Kent’s North Downs, but have also improved access and enjoyability for the people that visit.

The OCND project is in its final months of delivery. Thankfully, due to efficient partnership working and legacy planning, the project’s vision will continue to be delivered beyond its end. The End of Project conference was held at the beginning of October 2022, with over 80 people in attendance all representing a community of committed individuals with a common goal.

The conference was an opportunity to celebrate the collective achievements, from land management work to community engagement and education; as well as highlighting the effort and passion that so many individuals have contributed to the project.

Eighteen speakers took to the stage throughout the day sharing their experiences, lessons learned and hopes for the future.  

Alison Ruyter, Area Manager for the Kent Wildlife Trust presented an overview of the site restoration works. We learned that early interventions across many Kent Wildlife Trust sites had benefits to species biodiversity and habitat management achievement, with positive knock of effects of work expansion and improved access and enjoyment.

While it is sad for the OCND project to be coming to an end, the achievements made will have a lasting effect.

To find out more about the OCND project visit https://www.oldchalknewdowns.org.uk/