Reaching Greater Heights: Historic Grassland Restoration at Dover Castle & Dover Western Heights (360G-NLHF-HA-24-00173)

At Dover Castle and Dover Western Heights, earthworks and archaeology remain a powerful witness to 2,000 years of military occupation. The historic sites are also local nature reserves which connect internationally important chalk grassland Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Both the built and natural heritage are at risk of deterioration through scrub encroachment and anti-social behaviour. English Heritage will pilot an innovative integrated approach to built and natural heritage conservation. Working with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, the Western Heights Preservation Society and Kent Wildlife Trust, we will clear invasive vegetation, restoring lost species-rich grasslands and improving habitat connectivity. We will establish English Heritage’s first nature volunteering programme and build capacity in involving people in positive outcomes for heritage and nature. Local communities will co-create activities and outputs to explore the sites’ natural heritage.