A SET of council man-made wildflower banks have been hailed a "huge success" after more than 700 different animal and plant species were found on them.

The "B Banks" are miniature reconstructions of the chalk grasslands found on the Sussex Downs.

The first B Bank was constructed almost 20 years ago and there have been 19 more created in the area, including Dorothy Stringer School, Hove Park, Surrenden, Carden, Hollingdean, Crowhurst, Brighthelm, Swanborough, East Brighton and Roedean.

In total, the banks cover a total of 1.26 hectares, or around two football pitches.

The Argus: 554 different species of invertebrates have been found554 different species of invertebrates have been found

Councillor Amy Heley, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council's environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “The B Banks are having a huge impact on the wildlife in these sites, which is wonderful to see.

“They have been incredible in attracting a huge variety of species into the city, many of which would otherwise only be found out in the countryside. The project is a real success story for our City Parks staff.”

Councillor Gary Wilkinson, opposition lead spokesman for environment, transport and sustainability, said: “Our natural environment provides a wide variety of important functions and contributes to the health and quality of life of residents, workers and visitors to the city.

“That’s why I am delighted that so much has been achieved with this project, thanks to the hard work of our staff.

The Argus: There are almost 6,500 acres of chalk grassland in SussexThere are almost 6,500 acres of chalk grassland in Sussex

“The wildflower rich B Banks of butterflies, bees and other pollinators are helping form part of the council's response to the biodiversity and climate emergencies and support our objective to become a carbon neutral city by the year 2030.”

In a detailed ecological survey on the sites, 554 different invertebrates, like bugs, flies, beetles, butterflies, larva, moths and spiders were recorded.

This included 58 species with conservation status, plus a bee which is totally new to Sussex.

The Argus: The council has plans for more B Blocks in the futureThe council has plans for more B Blocks in the future

A total of 191 different plant species were also documented.

The survey was carried out in May and July 2021 and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the development of a large conservation project called Changing Chalk.

The Changing Chalk project aims to conserve, protect and engage people with the rare chalk grassland and heritage sites of the Sussex Downs. 

The council said 10 more B Banks could be on the way in the near future.