A downland is an area of open chalk upland. This term is especially used to describe the chalk countryside in southern England. Areas of downland are often referred to as Downs.
Downland is formed when Chalk Formations are forced above the sea level. Over centuries the chalk is slowly eroded to form sloping hills. Chalk deposits are very porous so the height of the water table in chalk hills rises in winter and falls in summer.
In temperate regions chalk downland is typically calcareous grassland, a habitat formed by grazing farm animals. Prior to farming, these areas would probably have been covered with forest. Chalk downland is often unspoilt because it is often unsuitable for modern arable farming, horticulture and housing, due to the poor shallow soil and difficult slopes. Many of the downland ranges have been protected against future development, due to their unique biodiversity.
Where the downs are being erroded quickly steep white chalk cliffs are formed such as the White cliffs of Dover.
Chalk downland can be found in many places, including:
The soil profile of chalkdownland in England is a thin soil overlaying the parent chalk.
In temperate regions chalkdownland is typically calcareous grassland, a habitat formed by grazing from both livestock and wild animals.
Chalkdownland is often unsuitable for intensive agriculture, horticulture or development, because of the nutrient-poor, shallow soil and difficult slopes.
Downland Housing Association became one of the first social landlords in the country to use the new powers under the governments latest anti social behaviour legislation that came into force today.
Downland Housing Association is set to evict a Cuckfield family on July 7 following a court hearing last Thursday (June 17).
Downland Housing Association has pledged its support for the valuable work of East Grinstead Access Group with a donation of £500.
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