Chalk streams are a rare habitat characterised by clear waters and a diversity of wildlife, with the majority – around 85% – found in England. In Oxfordshire, the Letcombe Brook and Chalgrove Brook are both chalk streams; Berkshire is home to the Pang, Kennet, Aldbourne, Dun and Lambourne, while Buckinghamshire boasts the Chess, Misbourne and Wye.

But of more than 220 habitats found here, only 11 have any legal protections. Conservationists argue these measures fall far short of what is required to sufficiently protect chalk streams, especially from indirect pressures, such as pollution that occurs elsewhere in a river’s catchment, or abstraction to provide a water supply for new housing. There is currently no formal plan to protect or restore English chalk streams, with the fate of a 'Recovery Pack’ in development under the prior Government currently unclear.

The letter to Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP and Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, which calls for proper protections, is headed by the Wildlife Trusts and signed by various river, water and wildlife charities including The Rivers Trust, Angling Trust, River Action and Wild Trout Trust. The letter leads on from the March for Clean Water earlier this month, when over 15,000 people, including charities, campaigners and celebrities, gathered in London calling for Government action to improve the health of rivers, lakes and seas.

The charities writing today urge the UK Government to strengthen protections for our rare chalk streams and the species which call them home.

Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, says:

“Our chalk streams should be sparkling crystal clear and bursting with life. As one of the rarest habitats in the world they should be the crown jewel of our natural environment but like all our rivers they have been let down. After years of damage and pollution, now is the time bring in powerful new protections and action so desperately needed to restore our chalk streams to their former glory.”

Steve Backshall, wildlife presenter and BBOWT’s President, said:

“Chalk streams are our equivalent of the Amazon Rainforest, home to everything from kingfishers to salmon and water voles. But, like every river in the UK, our chalk streams are under siege. We need the Government to deliver on their new promises to provide vital protection for these extraordinary habitats. They need us, they need our efforts, and they need proper rules in place to protect them.”