The government, regulators, industry and NGOs have collectively agreed and signed up to a set of recommendations which will restore good health to our chalk streams.
It’s called the “Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy Implementation Plan”.
It is the first time this has happened, and the work in the plan (much of it underway) includes:
— listing chalk streams as high-priority sites which will give them a distinct identity and drive investment in their restoration and water treatment;
— reducing groundwater abstraction in ecologically vulnerable chalk streams;
— defining all chalk catchments as “water-stressed” (meaning demand is outstripping supply, and water companies can roll-out metering);
— and developing a £2.8 million programme of restoration works for chalk streams.
Kit Malthouse MP (North West Hampshire) said:
“Did you know 85% of chalk streams in the world are found in England? They are indeed an important part of our natural habitat, and here in North West Hampshire, we are very lucky to live with one of the most renowned chalk rivers in the world right on our doorstep. We all want it flowing with clean water and teeming with wildlife, and that’s where this new plan comes in. It’s the result of two years of work between the government, regulators, water and agricultural industries, and environmental and river groups — and they will make sure the plan is underway and being delivered on.
“In our towns like Whitchurch, we’re fortunate to have the active and passionate Whitchurch Conservation Group who together with Natural England and the Environment Agency are doing everything they can to protect the River Test, including measuring regularly for phosphate and other nutrient pollution levels. We look forward to holding this plan to account and making sure we clean up and preserve these precious habitats for the next generation.”