The South Downs
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Introduction
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The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) scheme has now closed to new applicants. Defra introduced a new Environmental Stewardship Scheme on 3 March 2005 which supersedes (with enhancements) the ESA and Countryside Stewardship Schemes. These pages are in the process of being updated to reflect the latest information relating to this ESA.
The South Downs ESA extends for 260 square miles over the chalk downland ridge that runs from Beachy Head near Eastbourne in the East through to the Meon Valley, Hampshire in the West. The range of hills is bounded on the northern side by a steep escarpment and characterised by rolling chalk downland and dry valleys.
Description
The South Downs is recognised as one of the most important chalk landscapes in England and most of the area has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Area has been inhabited since ancient times and is very rich in historical features, including defensive sites, burial mounds and field boundaries. It is the traditional sheep grazing on the Downs that has given rise to the characteristic closely grazed chalk downland turf.
Significant
Habitats and Species
There are thirty seven Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the boundary of the ESA, including large areas of chalk grassland. Unimproved chalk grassland can be very species-rich and supports many rare species of plants, invertebrates and birds. There are also three river valley SSSI's in the ESA, as they contain valuable wet grassland and ditch habitats. Twenty-six of the SSSI's are managed under ESA agreements. The ESA scheme aims to protect and improve the wildlife conservation value of existing chalk grassland, by promoting the use of more traditional grassland management methods. It also seeks to increase the area of arable land to permanent grassland. The scheme was launched in 1987 and by the end of 2001 around 14,000 ha of land had been entered. Current farming in the area is a mix of live stock, mainly sheep, with arable farming and some dairy farms.
ESA Management Options
The management options for the different landscape types that can be entered into ESA agreements for the South Downs are given in the ERDP documents section of this site, under Annex X of the England Rural Development Programme. There are four main options.
- Maintenance and enhancement of species-rich swards in permanent chalk grassland, through the implementation of grassland management plans and prescriptions for the control of scrub and weeds. Maintenance of walls, hedges, ditches, traditional barns and dew ponds also required.
- Management of permanent grassland in the river valleys by the above prescriptions, maintenance of ditches and water levels, and a traditional summer grazing regime.
- Reversion of arable land to permanent chalk grassland, and the reversion of arable land to permanent grassland (other than chalk).
- Retention of winter stubbles and arable field margins.
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (ESA) is now closed to new entrants, however the current level of support will be maintained until the end of the life of the agreements.
Contacts
The South Downs ESA Team
James Le Page 01483 403638Steven Portch 01483 404360
Susan Simpson 01483 404214
Government Buildings
98 Epsom Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 2LD
Page last modified: 26 April, 2005
Page published:
10 December, 2002