England’s once-rich grasslands have all but vanished, with 97% of semi-natural habitats lost since the 1930, taking with them the vibrant tapestry of wildflowers and the pollinators that depend on them. Bees, butterflies and other vital species have seen their homes shrink dramatically, but efforts are now underway to turn the tide and bring these landscapes back to life.

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is taking action with a hopeful solution, joining the Big Give Earth Raise to raise £20,000 in just one week to protect and restore local chalk grasslands. From midday on 22 April to 29 April, every donation to the Save Local Chalk Grasslands appeal will be doubled up to the target through match funding - offering a powerful opportunity to make twice the difference for nature.

Through dedicated conservation and rewilding, these rare habitats can flourish again - restoring colour to the countryside and creating thriving refuges for pollinators. Healthy chalk grasslands also play a vital role for people: they support food production through pollination, and offer peaceful natural spaces that boost wellbeing. As wildflowers return, so too does the gentle hum of bees and the flutter of butterflies - bringing renewed hope for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the communities who cherish these landscapes.

Sam Henderson, Reserves Officer at Herts and Middlesex Trust says,

“Chalk grasslands are not like grass lawns we’re used to seeing in our gardens and by the roadside, these habitats, which are nutrient poor, support a diverse range of plant life. Just one square metre of chalk grassland can support up to 40 plant species, including Kidney Vetch, whose nectar feeds the Small Blue butterfly, and Common Fragrant Orchid, which lives up to its name, producing a sweet orangey smell. 

“Butterflies are a key feature of this habitat with around half of Britain’s resident butterfly species being found on chalk grasslands, including the Chalk Hill Blue, which can be seen feeding on the blooms of low-growing flowers, and the rarer Duke of Burgundy. Patches of bare chalky soil might appear barren on first sight but they are a haven for pollinators, and in particular, mining bees.

“Together with our fantastic volunteers, we are removing scrub and invasive plant species, which dominate and overrun weaker plants, managing grazing cycles and grass removal to keep nutrient levels low and encourage biodiversity. We closely monitor our sites too and that information is used to be able to protect them long into the future.”

Sarah Croft, Fundraising Manager at Herts and Middlesex Trust says,

“Through the Big Give Earth Raise campaign, donors can help to support our work on chalk grasslands, ensuring that our pollinators thrive amidst spring flowers such as Cowslips and Violets, and that in summer they thrum with the sound of grasshoppers and bees buzzing. Our British countryside is the source of much pride and joy - we all love to see a meadow or a hillside flourishing with a vivid mix of wildflowers, buzzing with bees and the tranquil fluttering of butterflies. We really want to keep that sound and vision alive for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.”

This work can be supported by donating to the Trust’s Save Local Chalk Grasslands fundraiser during the Big Give Earth Raise campaign. Donors can visit biggive.org from 12 pm on 22 April – 29 April to give and double the impact of their donations.