Chantry and Kithurst Hill
Located near the village of Storrington within the South Downs National Park, Chantry Hill and Kithurst Hill form part of a contiguous chalk ridge. These hills are intersected by the South Downs Way and represent a historically grazed landscape typical of lowland calcareous grassland in southern England.
Landscape and Habitats
- Chalk downland: Managed primarily through conservation grazing to maintain open grassland and prevent scrub encroachment
- Scrub and trackways: Patches of hawthorn and blackthorn provide habitat connectivity and support passerines and invertebrates
- Panoramic views: Clear sightlines extend across the Weald and towards the English Channel
Flora and Invertebrates
- Grassland plant species: Includes orchids and other chalk-tolerant wildflowers contributing to high plant diversity
- Butterflies: Species such as Chalkhill Blue (Polyommatus coridon) and Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) are active in summer, reflecting good-quality chalk grassland conditions
Avifauna (Birdlife)
- Resident breeders: Skylarks and Meadow Pipits nest within open grassland; Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings breed in scrub zones — both species of conservation concern
- Raptors: Red Kites, Buzzards, and Kestrels are commonly observed using thermal currents for foraging and movement
- Migratory species: Seasonal passage birds include Swallows, Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, and Whitethroats
- Occasional sightings: Gray Partridge and Red-legged Partridge inhabit grassland margins; Ravens are periodically observed overhead
Conservation Importance
The area contributes to regional efforts to preserve chalk downland ecosystems and supports species that have declined in intensively farmed landscapes. The site offers public engagement via walking trails, biodiversity monitoring, and heritage conservation.