0.2: Summary of Management plan

Portsdown Hill SSSI has a rich chalk grassland flora and fauna despite widespread scrub and coarse vegetation. Grazing, which maintained short grassland for many years finished in the 1950s. The site remained unmanaged until the early 1990's.

The site's remaining areas of species rich calcareous grassland habitat gives it a high conservation and educational value, especially as it borders a large centre of population. Habitat management prescribed when this plan was first drawn up (scrub clearance and the reintroduction of grazing) has reduced scrub cover and increased the diversity of some of the grassland.

To maintain public enjoyment of Portsdown Hill and safeguard the site's ecological value more intensive downland restoration work is needed with the implementation of a sustainable management system based on the experience of the first five years of management.

The most appropriate management is extensive grazing and scrub removal. Prolonged grazing pressure was responsible for the site's ecological interest and offers the most effective way of retaining it. In addition it is also endorsed by the landowners and relevant conservation bodies. However, limited resources, the requirement to maintain open public access, urban fringe problems and the extent of scrub restrict the management options. Extra funding is to be sought to overcome these difficulties.

The plan's main objective is to maintain all habitat types whilst introducing management that will increase the proportion of species-rich calcareous grassland at the expense of scrub and coarse grassland. Localised surveys and management will protect notable species. The public will be encouraged to appreciate the site and its necessary management.