Save Our Chalk Streams

03/03/2026

The Government are currently consulting on England’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). For the first time, chalk streams are mentioned in this Framework. It sets out the Government’s planning policies for England, covering topics such as sustainable development, plan-making and decision-making.

Chalk rivers are one of the rarest habitats on earth! 85% of the world’s chalk streams are found in England and, when healthy, they thrive with life, providing habitats for rare species including Water vole and Atlantic salmon. It is a national duty to protect them, but they still haven’t been recognised as irreplaceable habitats.

Chalk streams urgently need thorough and effective protection from harm caused by inappropriate development. Currently, only 11 out of over 200 British chalk streams have any legal protections, and even these fall short of the measures needed to protect these rivers.

You can help to protect special chalk streams by sending an email to support The Wildlife Trusts’ response to the consultation.

Speak up for chalk streams today!

 

Image by Briantspuddle Wildlife & History, flickr