UK Local Habitat

Chalk Downland 🦋

Hilly, nutrient-poor grassland found over chalk rock, famous for its incredibly diverse wildflowers and butterflies.

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Climate & Environment

Well-drained soil means it can be very dry; exposed hillsides are often windy.

Rare wild orchids, wild thyme, and specialized grasses.

A single square meter of chalk downland can contain up to 40 different plant species!
It is sometimes called 'Europe's tropical rainforest' because of its biodiversity.

Its caterpillars feed exclusively on horseshoe vetch, a plant that only grows on chalky soil.

Sings its famous complex song while hovering high above the open hills.

Digs extensive underground warrens in the soft chalky soil to hide from foxes and birds of prey.

Can hover perfectly still in the wind, looking down for the ultraviolet urine trails of voles.

Grazes the tough grass, which actually helps the rare chalk downland wildflowers to grow.

KS2 / ScienceY6

Living things and their habitats