Understanding Chalk Grassland and Scrub at The Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve

Understanding Chalk Grassland and Scrub at The Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve

Understanding Chalk Grassland and Scrub at The Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve
30 March 2026

A Landscape of Global Importance

The iconic Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex have recently been formally declared England’s newest National Nature Reserve (NNR). Covering 1,500 hectares, the area includes chalk grasslands, heathland, and floodplain meadows - habitats that support rare and specialist species including chalkhill blue butterflies, bee orchids, and skylarks.


TEP’s Chalk Scrub Study


In 2024, TEP was commissioned by Natural England to carry out a detailed chalk scrub study across the NNR. Our team combined a literature review of previous research with field mapping of scrub habitats to understand the value of different areas for chalk grassland specialists.


This approach provided insight into:


  • The extent and condition of scrub habitats;
  • Their role in supporting key species;
  • How future management could maintain and enhance ecological value.

Informing Conservation and Restoration


Our findings provided an evidence base to inform site management and habitat restoration opportunities, ensuring interventions such as targeted scrub control and biodiversity enhancement could be delivered without impacting the NNR’s historic and ecological character. This enabled Natural England to take forward measures that protect and restore one of England’s most treasured landscapes.


Part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves


The Seven Sisters NNR forms part of the King’s Series, a programme aiming to create or extend 25 National Nature Reserves by 2028. This designation ensures the area will continue to be protected and restored, providing habitat for wildlife while offering space for people to enjoy nature.

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TEP colleagues joined industry professionals for an afternoon of rooftop exploration across the capital, discovering how London's elevated spaces are helping to create greener, more sustainable urban environments. Associate Tom Young and Principal Green and Blue Infrastructure Consultant Maggie Fennell Wells attended the London Rooftop Tour hosted by the Green Roof Organisation (GRO), created by rooftop expert Fee Brydon of Where's the Rooftop? and supported by the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA). The tour took participants on a journey across four distinctive rooftop destinations, showcasing how rooftops can be transformed into valuable green infrastructure, social spaces and biodiversity hotspots within densely populated cities. The itinerary included visits to The Garden at 120, cloudM Tower of London, The Culpeper and concluded with networking at London Bridge Rooftop Bar.
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We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded Investors in People Gold accreditation, recognising our continued commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture and supporting our people to thrive. Investors in People is an internationally recognised accreditation and framework for improving workplace culture, leadership and people management. Since its launch in 1991, it has helped organisations across the world to lead, support and develop their people more effectively. Today, the framework is used by organisations in over 100 countries and provides a robust benchmark for assessing workplace culture and employee experience. Achieving Gold status is a significant accomplishment and places TEP among a select group of organisations demonstrating outstanding people practices. Only around 28% of Investors in People accredited organisations achieve Gold, highlighting the strength of our culture and commitment to continuous improvement. The assessment process includes an independent evaluation of leadership, communication, employee engagement, learning and development, organisational culture and wellbeing. Colleagues are invited to provide confidential feedback through surveys and interviews, ensuring the accreditation reflects the real experiences of people across the business. This achievement is particularly meaningful because it is based on direct feedback from our people and recognises the positive, supportive and collaborative environment we continue to build together.
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TEP colleagues joined industry professionals for an afternoon of rooftop exploration across the capital, discovering how London's elevated spaces are helping to create greener, more sustainable urban environments. Associate Tom Young and Principal Green and Blue Infrastructure Consultant Maggie Fennell Wells attended the London Rooftop Tour hosted by the Green Roof Organisation (GRO), created by rooftop expert Fee Brydon of Where's the Rooftop? and supported by the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA). The tour took participants on a journey across four distinctive rooftop destinations, showcasing how rooftops can be transformed into valuable green infrastructure, social spaces and biodiversity hotspots within densely populated cities. The itinerary included visits to The Garden at 120, cloudM Tower of London, The Culpeper and concluded with networking at London Bridge Rooftop Bar.
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