Farmland could be restored to flower meadow

The site, near Cissbury Ring, is currently farmed

Land in West Sussex could be restored to a flower meadow, a local authority has announced.

Worthing Borough Council (WBC) said it had been approached by the Sussex Wildlife Trust about the possibility of buying Tenants Hill to protect it for nature conservation.

The site, north of Lyons Farm and near Cissbury Ring, is currently farmed.

WBC said the trust wanted to increase biodiversity and bring back "high-quality" chalk grassland, which it called an "internationally important habitat".

'Hugely exciting'

Part of the restoration plans would involve using a herd to graze on the site.

Work would benefit a wide range of birds, insects and plants, such as skylarks, the Adonis Blue butterfly and round-headed rampion, according to WBC.

Public access would be retained through the site, which is a gateway to the South Downs National Park, it added.

A councillor has called the plans "exciting"

Councillor Vicki Wells called the proposal "hugely exciting".

"We have a duty of care to nature," she said. "Only through specialist collaborations like this can we ensure our unique chalkland landscape is protected and enhanced for wildlife and future generations."

WBC added it was working to develop a long-term vision for the wider Cissbury area that would benefit nature, the climate, people's health and wellbeing, and the local economy.