Conservation Crew: Volunteer to Protect Rare South Downs Chalk Grasslands

Help Preserve one of Britain’s Rarest Habitats

Chalk grassland is one of the UK’s rarest habitats and supports an exceptional variety of wildflowers, insects and wildlife. Without active management, it is lost.

Rathfinny is seeking volunteers to take part in chalk grassland conservation days, helping protect a special habitat which covers just 4% of the South Downs National Park.

Our Commitment to the Land

Nurturing the land is fundamental to Rathfinny’s sustainability commitments. Through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, we actively manage over 200 acres of land to support biodiversity and long‑term environmental resilience.

These volunteer days form part of that wider commitment: adding hands‑on conservation action and community involvement to work already taking place across the estate.

What to Expect from the Volunteer Days

We’re co-ordinating a handful of scrub‑clearing days from September 2026 to March 2027, working alongside experienced conservation leads.

Key details:

September to March (weather and land conditions dependent)

5 – 10 days in total

Attend one day or several, whatever you can manage

Physical, outdoor work: challenging but highly rewarding and good team spirit!

Tools: you will need to bring your own gloves, secateurs and gardening equipment (all details shared via the mailing list)

No previous conservation experience is needed.

Why Chalk Grassland Conservation is Vital

Chalk grassland only survives with active, ongoing management. Without intervention, scrub and woody growth quickly take hold, shading out delicate plants and reducing the rich diversity that defines this rare habitat.

By keeping the grassland open, we also enable grazing animals to return to the land. Carefully managed grazing is a vital part of chalk grassland conservation, helping maintain the short sward and natural balance that allows wildflowers, insects and wildlife to thrive.

Scrub clearance is practical, physical work, but it is one of the most effective ways to protect and restore this nationally important landscape for the long term.

Opening Hours