Helping our chalk streams that are havens for nature
March 11, 2021
Chalk streams are home to some incredible fauna and flora and a new project aims to raise awareness of these globally-significant habitats. Sophie Evingar, from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, gives an update.
Exciting times are afoot for seven local chalk streams, as the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme goes from strength to strength. This five-year scheme brings together 16 partner organisations – including the South Downs National Park Authority – to protect, enhance, and celebrate the headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen.
While the rivers themselves are iconic features of the Hampshire landscape, the chalk streams that give them life are among its greatest hidden treasures. These globally scarce environments are home to species like water vole, brown trout, southern damselfly, and white-clawed crayfish, and have inspired a vibrant cultural heritage.
Unfortunately, these special waters face increasing pressure from issues like pollution, loss of habitat, and poor land management. The scheme partners, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, are seeking to change this situation through projects ranging from habitat enhancements to creative opportunities.
The scheme’s early stages have been impacted by Covid-19, but great progress has been made nonetheless. Restoration to the Pillhill Brook at Abbotts Ann has added natural bank defences, planted trees, and created fish spawning habitat. At Hurstbourne Priors, sensitive alterations to a historic mill have opened 3km of the Bourne Rivulet to species like brown trout and grayling.
Over in Alresford, the historic Eel House has been fortified by crucial repairs, thanks in part to a donation from the scheme. Our support has also helped primary school children in Cheriton to improve their village stream – by planting wildflowers along the banks, they have helped boost wildlife habitat and tackle soil erosion. Our volunteers have gained new skills through online training in water vole ecology and invertebrate identification. Scheme research has provided insight on natural solutions to flooding, and our photography competition is capturing the streams in all their glory. Very soon, our small grants will be empowering communities to run their own stream-related projects too. Find out more here.