Chilterns Chalk Streams Project publishes a major report & hosts a conference marking 25 years of the Project
The Chilterns Chalk Streams Project (CCSP) has published a major report reviewing the achievements and progress of the partnership over the last 25 years.
The report also reflects on the role the CCSP should play in shaping the future for the Chilterns chalk streams. The report was launched with a conference on 28th September featuring keynote speaker Charles Rangeley-Wilson, broadcaster, writer and chair of the CaBa Chalk Streams Restoration group. Thames Water and Affinity Water shared updates on their plans for our region; and the Project team looked to the future with presentations on current and upcoming work.
Celebrating 25 years of the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project
2022 marks 25 years of the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project (CCSP), a flagship partnership of organisations dedicated to protecting the nine rare and valuable chalk streams in the Chilterns. The CCSP has published a major report reviewing the achievements and progress of the partnership over the last 25 years and reflecting on the role the CCSP should play in shaping the future for the Chilterns chalk streams.
A conference marking 25 years
To launch the report, a conference took place on 28th September at St Michael’s Manor in St Albans. The conference kicked off with talks by Allen Beechey, CCSP Project Manager, and Professor Kate Heppell, CCSP’s Research Lead, summing up key findings from the report.
Next, Thames Water’s, Yvette de Garis talked about how the Smarter Water Catchment approach can help deliver the National Chalk Streams Restoration Strategy. Affinity Water’s Ellie Powers and Steve Plumb talked about what Affinity are doing to restore chalk stream health and about their water resources management plan for 2024.
Keynote speaker Charles Rangeley-Wilson (broadcaster and writer) spoke about the CaBa chalk stream restoration strategy.
Finally the CCSP team, including Ceri Groves, Laura Silverstone, Adrian Porter, Steph Horn, Kate Heppell and Josh Biddle updated delegates about the exciting array of current projects taking place to restore habitats, engage and advise landowners and to involve communities and young people in caring for the future of the streams.
In the afternoon, delegates were treated to a guided walk through Verulamium Park along the river Ver, led jointly by John Pritchard from Ver Valley Society and archaeologist, Dr Wendy Morrison, from Chilterns Conservation Board. The day was informative and interesting and there were displays by Misbourne River Action Group, Friends of the Wye and Ver Valley Society, showcasing their latest project work to protect, enhance and monitor the quality of chalk streams.
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