Take part in the Chalk Stream Challenge!
July 11, 2022
Sophie Evingar is an events officer for the Watercress and Winterbournes project, which is being led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The scheme brings together local communities and 16 organisations to restore and celebrate the county’s amazing crystal-clear chalk streams.
The chalk streams that meander across Hampshire are among its most precious ecological gems. Found almost nowhere else on Earth, these waters give hope to many rare and vulnerable species. But, with threats mounting and the future uncertain, our chalk streams will need champions for years to come.
Luckily, there is a new way to teach young people about this, courtesy of the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme. This initiative unites the South Downs National Park Authority with 15 other partners in caring for the headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen. The scheme wouldn’t be possible without its passionate and dedicated volunteers.
Two such volunteers – Hazel and Sarah – have used their experience with youth groups to design the Chalk Stream Challenge; a set of outdoor activities focused on wildlife, habitats, and heritage. The challenge is suitable for Scouts, Guides, or similar groups, and can be tailored to different ages. It combines pre-tested routes along local streams with opportunities for exploration.
A range of resources are available online, including fun facts, route maps, spotter guides, challenge activities, and completion certificates. Group leaders can run the challenge at no cost using these, or reward their members with special fabric badges for a small fee. They can also choose to expand their challenge with a stream dipping session run by Wessex Rivers Trust.
There are several challenge routes to choose from, all ‘off-road’ but close to public transport, and parking, as well as places to find refreshments and toilet facilities. The ones currently available are based in Alresford, Whitchurch, and Andover, but the activities can easily be adapted to other local chalk streams.
So if you’re a group leader looking to connect your young people with nature, why not take up the challenge? Learn more at www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes/challenge
