Campaigners push to better protect chalk streams

"They're special on a world stage, 85% of chalk streams are in England. They're wonderful habitats, they're great for people as well, people really enjoy them, whether it's areas like this where you can find kingfishers and grey wagtails and it's just a unique resource that we really should steward properly."

"We're asking that chalk streams are put into the same category as irreplaceable habitats as other certain habitats in the National Planning Policy Framework. Other habitats have been recognised, such as ancient woodland and limestone pavements."

"Chalk streams emerge from springs in porous chalk bedrock, which acts as a filter to remove sediment, characterised by beautifully clear water and a gravelly bottom. There are only 220 in existence, the majority of which are in southern England."

Chalk streams are among the world's rarest freshwater habitats, with only 220 existing globally, 85% located in England. These streams emerge from springs in porous chalk bedrock that filters sediment, creating clear water and gravelly bottoms. Environmental groups like the London Wildlife Trust argue they lack sufficient legal protection and should be included in the National Planning Policy Framework alongside other irreplaceable habitats like ancient woodland and limestone pavements. The government has committed £2 billion in water company investment over five years to restore chalk streams and upgrade abstraction licensing systems, with Thames Water planning significant wastewater network upgrades.

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