Agriculture on the South Downs

Question 1

What is the south downs national park an example of

Answer 1

How distinctive landscapes result from human activity over time

Question 2

What percent of the South Downs is farmland

Answer 2

85%

Question 3

How many farm businesses operate on the South downs

Answer 3

1100

Question 4

What 2 things is chalk grassland ideal for

Answer 4

1) Grazing of sheep

2) Training race horses

Question 5

Why is chalk grassland ideal for grazing of sheep and training race horeses

Answer 5

The grass is short and rich in nutrients whereas clay grassland is more suitable for dairy cows due to the longer grass length

Question 6

What are the deeper soils on the south facing lower slopes more suitable for

Answer 6

Arable farming like wheat, barley and vine cultivation

Question 7

What are the advantages of Farming on the South Downs

Answer 7

• The money made form farming supports the local economy - agricultural businesses account fro 6% of employment in national parks
• Arable farming contributed towards supporting rare bird species on the south down which could become extinct
• The formation of hedgerows and field margins has provided wildlife habitats and ‘wildlife corridors’ for bats

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of farming on the South Downs

Answer 8

• The decline in arable farming and changes in farming practices has reduced the presence of arable plants, which has damaged the wildlife habitat
• There has been a significant in the amount of chalk grassland due to the use of chemicals in farming
• The decline of traditional practises, such as extensive sheep grazing has resulted in shrubs growing in the remaining chalk grassland