University Of Brighton And Sussex Wildlife Trust Unite To Protect Chalk Grassland

Thursday, 20 February 2025 16:25

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

The University of Brighton has partnered with Sussex Wildlife Trust to restore and protect the chalk grassland at its Falmer campus, an essential local habitat for biodiversity.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to enhancing biodiversity and sustainability across its campuses, students, staff, and volunteers from the Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities team came together this week to help preserve this important local ecosystem.

The hands-on conservation project focussed on controlling invasive species and ensuring that the chalk grassland remains a thriving haven for both wildlife and the local community.

The project provided a unique learning opportunity for those involved, offering practical experience in environmental conservation while contributing to the health of the local landscape and supporting volunteer well-being.

The Wilder Communities team provided valuable training for participants, teaching them how to use conservation tools, identify local flora, and manage invasive species.

Falmer’s chalk grassland is part of the Westlain Plantation, designated as a Local Wildlife Site by Brighton and Hove City Council.

These sites are some of the most important wildlife habitats in Sussex, and the restoration effort aims to protect this rich and diverse ecosystem, ensuring its survival for years to come.

Following the event’s success, and as part of the University's long-term sustainability goals, the University will host a follow-up volunteering session next month, continuing the restoration and protection of this important local habitat.

Izzy White, Sustainability Projects Officer at the University of Brighton, said:

“If nature ever needed a helping hand, it’s now. This project is a demonstration of our commitment to sustainability education and wellbeing.

"It was a fun afternoon of meeting people, learning practical biodiversity skills, and reconnecting with nature.

"We were also excited to see the collaboration with our community partners, reinforcing our shared responsibility for a greener future."

Huw Morgan, Wilder Communities Team Manager for Sussex Wildlife Trust, said:

“Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities teamwork with a range of groups, projects and individuals helping to support them in taking action for wildlife in a variety of ways.

"The chalk grassland at Falmer is an incredibly diverse and rich habitat supporting many different species of plants and grasses.

"Unfortunately, it is vulnerable to being taken over by other more vigorous growing scrub plants so it is vital to control the scrub in order to preserve the chalk grassland”.

This project is just one example of the University’s broader commitment to sustainability, which saw Brighton break into the top 30 of the latest People & Planet University League which ranks UK universities on their environmental and ethical performance.