#337: The State of Nature

This piece in Unearthed explores the state of the River Test in Hampshire, one of our rare chalk streams and it is under pressure. Many of our natural treasures (chalk streams are very rare on a global level)

I have a chalk stream running through my village: the River Nar, and am concerned that it will be polluted eventually.... 

Let's hope that the new Government will get to grips with the water companies ....

#237: 'Watercress and Winterbournes'

This a nice, geographical project based in Hampshire.

An introduction to the project from the website:

The Rivers Test and Itchen are iconic features of the Hampshire landscape, but the chalk streams that give them life are some of the greatest hidden treasures in the county. With only around 200 existing worldwide, these cool, oxygenated, alkaline waters provide a uniquely perfect habitat for species like water vole, brown trout, southern damselfly, water crowfoot, and white-clawed crayfish.

Our streams also have another story to tell: that of a landscape shaped by centuries of human activity. Adjacent fields are marked with patterns from old water meadows, while mysterious riverside structures speak of trades ranging from gin distilling to paper production. 

Today many of these historic industries continue, with our area being famous for watercress growing and fly fishing. Some of them are sadly threatened with the current tide of sewage pollution which has caused problems for so many of the country's rivers. Feargal Sharkey has spent years campaigning on this issue, which has got worse and worse during that time to the point now where sewage is routinely dumped into rivers and the sea. 

My local chalk stream is the River Nar. It runs through the village where I live and on towards King's Lynn and the Great Ouse.

We are looking forward to launching #whispersofchlakstream project on the 31st January. We would love your company - learn more about our chalk stream - come along , get involved - hear more of future events #WatercressandWinterbournes #NationalLotteryHeritage @HantsIWWildlife pic.twitter.com/j7Wk0DOaEb

— Clarke&Witt (@Attention2place) January 5, 2024

I follow a few social media accounts linked to Chalk Streams including one based near King's Lynn which shares frequent images and information on problems.