Multi-million-pound project hopes to save rare species at white cliffs of Dover
The announcement comes as England’s wildlife is facing extreme pressures, according to Natural England.
A special project to save rare species at the “iconic” white cliffs of Dover has been announced as part of a multi-million-pound investment by Natural England.
Plans to recover special species in grasslands will also go ahead at the Isle of Wight as 63 projects have been confirmed by the public body to help save 150 species around the country.
A £14.5 million-sum will be shared among the schemes that are hoping to revive some of England’s most rare and threatened species from butterflies, bird and bees to the large marsh grasshopper, white-clawed crayfish and water voles.
The National Trust White Cliffs and White Chalk Species Recovery project will focus on recovering special insects and plants at the white cliffs at Dover and the Isle of Wight, which share similar needs for how the chalk and clifftop grasslands can be managed.
Some of the species to be saved include the Potter Flower Bee, Cliff Furrow Bee and plant Oxtongue Broomrape, which will be done through improving mowing, livestock grazing and other means.
“Species-rich grassland is one of the rarest, yet one of the most important habitats for biodiversity in England.
“Through Agri-environment schemes with landowners, the network of species rich grassland in East Kent is growing, providing habitat for many rare and threatened species and we are excited to see this increased support through the Species Recovery Program.”
Meanwhile work in Hastings, East Sussex, will hike the resilience of rare bee species by improving wildflower meadows and woodland-edge habitats.
The cash boost will be used by environmental charities, wildlife charities and local authorities to carry out the projects around the country.
