BBOWT charity calls for urgent action to protect UK’s rare chalk streams
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust this week brought a letter to Parliament asking for better protection for those rivers
Last updated 24th Nov 2024
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has joined forces with a coalition of environmental charities to urge the UK government to strengthen protections for chalk streams, a globally rare and ecologically vital habitat.
The move comes as part of a campaign responding to ongoing threats posed by pollution, over-abstraction, and insufficient legal safeguards.
Chalk streams, characterised by their clear, mineral-rich waters, support a rich variety of wildlife and are considered one of the rarest habitats in the world.
Globally, there are only about 200 chalk streams, with the UK hosting approximately 80% of them—most concentrated in the South of England.
Despite their rarity, only 11 chalk streams in the UK have any legal protection.
Estelle Bailey, BBOWT’s chief executive, said: "Our chalk streams should be sparkling crystal clear and bursting with life.
"Let down"
"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.
"Now is the time to bring in powerful new protections."
The coalition, led by BBOWT and involving groups such as The Rivers Trust, sent an open letter to Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP and Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP.
The letter calls for chalk streams to be classified as “irreplaceable habitats” and for new rules within ongoing planning reforms to ensure their future protection.
Holly Gray, Planning and Policy Officer at BBOWT, said: "Most chalk streams have been modified and face threats from pollution, especially sewage pollution, but also from developments themselves.
"Only about 11 chalk streams have any legal protection, and those protections aren’t working."
A Chalk Stream Recovery Pack, initially promised under the previous government, remains undelivered.
Ms Gray highlighted the importance of this plan, noting its delay due to the general election earlier this year.
"We were told it would come out in the summer," she said, "but it was put on pause. Ever since the election, it’s all been a bit quiet. We’re still waiting for news on when this pack will come out."
Chalk streams are not only critical for biodiversity but also hold cultural significance, likened by some to global ecological landmarks.
A Defra spokesperson said:
"This government is committed to the protection and restoration of our cherished chalk streams. We recognise that these unique rivers are not just vital ecosystems; they are a symbol of our national heritage.
"We have taken immediate action to clean up our waterways, including a new Water Bill to ban the payment of unfair bonuses to polluting water bosses, and bring criminal charges against those who persistently break the law.
"We have also launched the largest review of the water sector since privatisation to attract the investment we need to clean up our waterways for good."