Levin Down
A superb example of chalk grassland and scrub, rich in flowers and butterflies
Levin Down is easy to see. As you come over the ridge at Goodwood racecourse it stands alone – a hill covered in natural scrubby grassland; the olive green hues are so different from the synthetic emerald of the agricultural fields and viridian forestry plantations that form the surrounding landscape. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; indeed the reason that Levin has so much of its wildlife value still intact is hinted at in the name, which is derived from ‘Leave-Alone Hill’, meaning that the land was too steep for the plough or other intensive agriculture.
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Meet our volunteers: Bill Young
20 November 2023
Bill Young has a been a volunteering with the Trust for 45 years, most recently at Levin Down. He tells us all about it.


Why chalk grasslands are so important - part two
17 April 2023
Development has eaten away at our stunning Downs, but with planning laws, then protective designations, this has dramatically slowed. In the second of two blogs, Phil Belden talks about the vital importance of protecting and caring for it.

Why chalk grasslands are so important - part one
16 April 2023
The first Wild Isles programme featured chalk grassland. Phil Belden explains why it’s such an incredibly important habitat.