Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has joined forces with 215 local councillors to send a powerful open letter to Angela Rayner MP and Steve Reed MP, urging the Government to strengthen protections for the UK’s chalk streams.
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.
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 right here on the Isle of Wight. An example of a chalk stream on the Isle of Wight is Lukely Brook.
Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, has said:
“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”
Article continues below this advertisement
Cllr Chris Jarman, Isle of Wight councillor for Totland & Colwell, added:
“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 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, they 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.
“We must be especially careful to preserve such a precious and fragile resource.”
For further information about the Save Our Chalk Streams Campaign, visit hiwwt.org.uk.
Shame so many persons were not bothered about
cutting the pensioners winter fuel allowance.