Preserving chalk grassland in the Rifle Range
Over the coming months you will see the boundaries of the Rifle Range field being fenced. Why are we doing this?
40 years ago there was far less scrub and woodland in this area and the chalk grassland provided a rich habitat for a wide variety of plants, insects, butterflies and birds.
Changes in land usage have led to a big decrease in this type of habitat across the Downs. The Rifle Range is no exception and SDS aims to restore and protect as much of the habitat here as possible, with the involvement and participation of local people.
Grazing is the most important element of land management for chalk downland, and on the Rifle Range this has not happened for many years. It keeps the scrub from growing back and stops the chalk downland species from being choked by stronger grasses (you can read more about this in the related link).
Later this year, a programme of managed livestock grazing will re-commence in the Rifle Range. It will last for most of the winter and will reflect traditional downland stewardship techniques. These centuries-old practices will greatly enhance this beautiful site.
Local people will still be able to access the areas they enjoy using, but there may be a gate to walk through in some places.
