Downs, rounded and grass-covered hills in southern England that are typically composed of chalk. The name comes from the Old English dūn (“hill”). The main areas of chalk downs lie in Berkshire, Wiltshire, and northern Hampshire, with spurs running eastward into West Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.

What does downs mean in Australia?

Words used to describe natural grasslands used to graze livestock: 'downs country' — Australia, mostly in the hot northern inland. Natural grasslands with few trees; referred to as 'savanna' by ecologists.

Where in the UK is chalk found?

Downland, chalkland, chalk downs or just downs are areas of open chalk hills, such as the North Downs. This term is used to describe the characteristic landscape in southern England where chalk is exposed at the surface.