Big Chalk in the Chilterns
The Chilterns Chalk Streams Project (CCSP) showed off recent restoration work on the Hamble Brook as part of a field trip for the first ever Big Chalk Conference.
On 10 September, 18 delegates from a range of disciplines, including investment fund managers, professional ecologists, the Environment Agency, and individuals who were simply interested in the project, joined CCSP staff for an afternoon on the river.
The event showcased the re-naturalisation of this rare winterbourne chalk stream and 2500m2 of newly installed wetland, all of which has flourished during this year’s high groundwater.
A riverfly kick-sampling demonstration highlighted both the ecological improvement that has already been seen, as well as the critical role that citizen science plays in assessing the success of the scheme, both now and as it evolves over the coming years.
One of the landowners and representatives from the Environment Agency and the National Trust joined the visit, demonstrating how transformative improvements within a sensitive landscape can be delivered through a successful partnership.
The CCSP is continuing its work in the Hambleden valley, starting with a second wetland this autumn and, over the next few years, through its recently launched, National Lottery funded, Not Bourne Yesterday project.
Hamble Brook Restoration
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