Our chalk streams are rare & precious, with less than 300 in the world. A wonderful natural treasure, vital habitat to a host of wildlife, and beloved by so many of us. They are facing myriad pressures, but there's so much we can do to help protect and restore these cherished streams.
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Impact areas
Our chalk streams are facing an existential threat. They are beset by challenges. Their 'gin clear' water is polluted by sewage and road and agricultural run-off. Drought and abstraction are drying out our chalk streams, and heatwaves are now warming the water, creating a hostile environment for the many species which need their cool, clear water to survive. In many places we've changed the stream's course and character, robbing them of their natural resilience in the face of these challenges.
Our impact has had a heavy toll on our chalk streams, but we also have the power to revive and transform them. We know what we need to do to restore our rivers, and the great thing is that when given a helping hand, rivers can bounce back in just a few months, becoming a thriving and healthy habitat once again. This doesn't just benefit wildlife, healthy nature provides us with vital ecosystem services we need to survive too. This is inspirational work - river restoration is a story of hope!
