Calcareous Grassland

Calcareous grassland, otherwise known as chalk grassland, occurs on shallow, well-drained, lime-rich soils. Surviving chalk grassland is extremely rare and for this reason is a habitat of international importance. The UK is thought to contain half of the world's chalk grassland resource, 5% of which is found in Kent.

There are 1,659 hectares of calcareous grassland in Kent (KHS2003) - an area nearly a fifth of the size of the Isle of Sheppey.

Download the habitat fact sheet to find out more or view specific conservation objectives for the associated UK BAP priority habitat of Kent.

Link: UK BAP Conservation Statement

Associated Species

Butterflies: adonis blue, silver spotted skipper
Flowering plants: early gentian
Grasshoppers: wart-biter grasshopper

View all priority species

Newsletter