Wildlife and Habitats
The South Downs has many different types of habitats due to the type of land, weather patterns and the way that the land has been managed.
These habitats include chalk downland, lowland heath, ancient woodlands, wetlands and rivers, farmland as well as our coastal and marine areas.
Many rare and important wildlife species live in the South Downs.
Why not take a look at our habitat fact files or attempt to guess which species live in each habitat?
Resources
- Chalk – Fact File
- Chalk Grassland Habitat- Fact File
- Chalk Grassland species – Top Trumps
- Coastal and Marine Habitat – Fact File
- Farmland Habitat- Fact File
- Habitats and Species Matching Game
- Heathland Habitat – Fact File
- Rivers and Wetlands Habitat – Fact File
- Species Images
- Woodlands Habitat – Fact File
Species Stories
Our Species Stories resources are a creative, ready-to-use set of digital learning resources designed to inspire pupils aged 9–14 to connect with nature through storytelling. Co-developed by the South Downs National Park Authority and Writing Our Legacy, they use real creative writing from professional writers alongside engaging species fact sheets and carefully crafted writing prompts. These resources support young people to explore wildlife in the South Downs while developing their own creative voice. Perfect for the classroom, literacy lessons or enrichment projects, the packs link creative writing with environmental learning.
Key stage 2
Key stage 3