The White Cliffs of Dover are covered in wildflowers — and the pictures are breathtaking
The White Cliffs of Dover are once more awash with glorious wildflowers, birds and beautiful butterflies, after a grassland regeneration project led by The National Trust has been a huge success.
Back in September 2017, the conservation charity, along with Dame Vera Lynn, purchased the 178 acre Wanstone site with an ambitious plan to reverse 70 years of intensive agriculture — and it has paid off.
Some of the success stories of the project so far include an increase in red-listed skylarks and corn buntings. A sea of red poppies has also blossomed, alongside nectar-rich plants including crimson clover, yellow rattle and lady's bedstraw.
"After many decades of intensive farming, it's fantastic to see this stretch of the Cliffs buzzing with wildlife again," Virginia Portman, General Manager at the White Cliffs, says.
"The Cliffs hold an incredibly special place in our country's history, but they're also important for nature as much of the habitat we have here, chalk grassland, is increasingly rare in the UK. To see the fields returning to their natural state, covered in poppies and ringing with the sound of skylarks, is really heartening. It's a tribute to everyone who supported our campaign and helped us buy back this landscape for the nation."
The fundraising campaign was supported by Dame Vera Lynn, who sadly passed away in June this year. Her famous lyrics, which sang 'there will be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover' and 'the valley will bloom again' gave hope to those in the war, but are incredibly relevant today, too.
"The White Cliffs of Dover will be forever intertwined with Dame Vera Lynn, who sadly passed away recently," Virginia adds. "Her music marked the start of the enduring emotional connection that people feel when they visit us here, and we're so grateful for her support over the years.
"In helping us to save the land and restore it as a haven for wildlife, she has left a legacy for future generations to enjoy."
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