Chilterns Chalk Streams Project set to ‘Mend the Misbourne’

Together with match funding from partners, the £1.7 million initiative will deliver a wide range of projects over the next five years aimed at improving the health of the river and its surrounding catchment, in addition to supporting local communities to connect with and enjoy this rare and special habitat.

Despite significant efforts to improve the River Misbourne since the 1990s, its health has continued to suffer. Under pressure from sewage pollution, toxic chemicals in road-runoff, low flows and flooding, habitat loss, and the construction of major infrastructure, the river is currently assessed as being of ‘poor ecological status’.

“Chalk streams are globally rare and threatened habitats and we are fortunate to have nine of them in the Chilterns,” said Dr Elaine King, Chief Executive Officer at the Chilterns National Landscape.

“They all deserve to be cared for as one of the jewels in the Chilterns crown and this project will be a gamechanger following years of decline.” 

This funding will enable us – through working in partnership – to realise a long-held ambition to restore the River Misbourne to full health. Work will focus on four key areas – improving flows, improving water quality, nature recovery, and involving people.