Lukley brook river
Lukley Brook © Island Rivers

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust urges stronger protections for chalk streams

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has joined forces with 215 local councillors to send a powerful open letter to Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP and Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, urging the Government to strengthen protections for the UK’s chalk streams within planning policy.

This united, cross-party call to action comes amid alarming reports that the Government has shelved the promised Chalk Stream Recovery Pack, a key initiative aimed at safeguarding these globally significant habitats.

Critical need to protect chalk streams
The councillors’ letter highlights the critical need to designate chalk streams and their catchments with a bespoke protection – within the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Councillors from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have asked that the Government support their efforts to protect precious chalk streams, so that more homes can be delivered across the country without sacrificing the health of these fragile waterways.

These measures are crucial to safeguarding some of the world’s rarest ecosystems, many of which are located in Hampshire, and Lukely Brook on the Isle of Wight.

Tann: The future of chalk streams hangs in the balance
Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, says,

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see local councillors putting party politics aside and coming together in a united commitment to protect our precious chalk streams.

“These rare and unique ecosystems, flowing through our counties, are among the most beautiful and biodiverse habitats in the world. Their crystal-clear waters, fed by underground aquifers, teem with life, from delicate aquatic plants to iconic species like kingfishers and brown trout.

“The future of chalk streams, however, hangs in the balance. Without specific, robust protections embedded into planning policy, we risk these irreplaceable and fragile habitats being damaged or even destroyed.  Only decisive Government action can ensure that these extraordinary waterways continue to provide vital habitats for the diverse wildlife that depends on them.”

Jarman:  The​y have historically been crucial for the growth of our towns and cities
Councillor Chris Jarman, Isle of Wight councillor for Totland and Colwell, adds,

“Chalk streams are a rare and unique habitat​ and we are blessed with their concentration along our Southern shores​.​ Their exceptionally clean, cool, oxygen-rich water that supports a diverse array of wildlife, including threatened species like the white-clawed crayfish​.

“​Many are not aware that, as well as helping ​to make ​our landscape picturesque and vibrant, the​y have historically been crucial for the growth of our towns and cities, providing fresh water for drinking and farming, and for our business and transport​.​

“​Thanks to their source from underground chalk aquifers which filter the water naturally​, they provide a vital ecosystem for brown trout and water voles, making them a valuable ecological feature ​supporting significant biodiversity.​ W​e must be especially careful to preserve such a precious and fragile resource.”

Pitt: Great to see broad cross-party support for campaign
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, adds,

“I am very happy to support this important campaign to protect our globally important chalk streams.

“It is great to see there is broad support for this campaign across political lines and shows that protecting our environment goes beyond party politics.”

Chalk streams are in a perilous state
With only 15 per cent of UK rivers in good ecological health, chalk streams – often associated with their characteristically clear and sparkling waters – are in a perilous state. These rare habitats, which support a plethora of wildlife including brown trout, kingfishers and southern chalk stream Atlantic salmon, have suffered decades of pollution, overuse and neglect.

The Government’s decision to shelve the Chalk Stream Recovery Pack has sparked widespread concern. Housing developments, driven by inflated targets, pose a growing threat to these fragile waterways.

Save Our Chalk Streams Campaign 
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Save Our Chalk Streams Campaign has rallied significant public and cross-sector support to date. During the most recent  National Planning Policy Framework consultation period (July–September 2024), almost 700 people urged the Government to prioritise chalk stream protections in its planning reforms. planning reforms.

Councillors from Norfolk and Wiltshire joined their counterparts from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in supporting the letter. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust collaborates closely with these Wildlife Trusts to build widespread support, and highlight the national significance of this critical issue.

Join the fight for chalk streams
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, along with the coalition of Wildlife Trusts from across England, is urging members of the public to join the fight for chalk streams by contacting their local councillors and advocating for stronger protections.

Without greater protections for chalk streams, the Government risks undermining its own legal targets for nature’s recovery in the Environment Act, alongside to its commitment to protect 30% of inland waters for nature by 2030.

For more information about the Save Our Chalk Streams Campaign, visit the website.


News shared by Helen on behalf of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Ed