White Cliffs of Dover meadow saved by Vera Lynn sees endangered birds thrive
A meadow on the White Cliffs of Dover, which was salvaged by Dame Vera Lynn, is now full of record numbers of rare birds and bursting with floral life.
The late singer ran a fundraising campaign in 2017, to raise money so the National Trust could purchase the fields, which had been used for intensive farming and were almost empty of life.
For years, the National Trust has been working to undo seven decades of damage, and the organisation can now reveal the world-famous Cliffs are providing a haven for wildlife, including the nation’s songbird, the skylark.
Rangers have reported numbers of amber-listed meadow pipit, and red-listed partridge and corn bunting are on the rise thanks to a sowing of 'bumblebird' seeds, which provide food for pollinators in summer and seeds for birds in the winter.
The skylark is doing particularly well, with 48 birds counted at the site in the first week of May alone.
The meadows have also attracted 1,200 pigeons, which have in turn lured peregrine falcons to the area.
Rare plants now growing include common vetch, bird’s-foot trefoil, crimson clover, yellow rattle, lady’s bedstraw, ox-eye daisy, meadow buttercup and self heal.
Plants now growing include common vetch, bird’s-foot trefoil, crimson clover, yellow rattle, lady’s bedstraw, ox-eye daisy, meadow buttercup and self heal.
Virginia Portman, General Manager at the White Cliffs, said: “ “The White Cliffs of Dover will be forever intertwined with Dame Vera Lynn, who sadly passed away recently.
“Her music marked the start of the enduring emotional connection that people feel when they visit us here, and we’re so grateful for her support over the years.
“In helping us to save the land and restore it as a haven for wildlife, she has left a legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
The Trust’s 2017 fundraising campaign, which reached its target in just three weeks, was supported by Dame Vera Lynn, whose lyrics ‘there will be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘the valley will bloom again’ had given hope to the country during the war.
