#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.

#179: Chalk Stream Challenge

A cross posting from my LivingGeography blog.

It refers to the latest (at the time of posting) episode of the Geographical Association's GeogPod podcast - hosted by John Lyon. I've posted about that previously. This is the 70th episode of the PODCAST, which is an impressive achievement.

This talks about an opportunity for those living near a Chalk Stream to take part in the Chalk Stream Challenge.

This has been developed with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

From the website:

The challenge is suitable for Scouts, Guides, and similar groups. It involves activities that can easily be customised to suit different age ranges. There are several set routes to choose from, all of which are 'off-road’ but close to public transport, parking, and places to find refreshments and toilet facilities.

The Chalk Stream Challenge was created by two brilliant volunteers, Hazel and Sarah, as part of the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme. 

The scheme features many projects focused on the Rivers Test and Itchen headwaters, including free education sessions for young people.

This might make a suitable field activity for GCSE Natural History students in time.

I shall post about the Watercress and Winterbournes project separately. There's a whole lot of geography in there too.

The Podcast can be listened to below:

#45: Royal Horticultural Society projects

There have been two projects started by the Royal Horticultural Society relatively recently which may be of interest to schools. 

If I was to teach the new specification I think I would want to make it as active as possible, with students involved in practical actions to help natural history in some way, whether throuth citizen science, or through nature conservation projects.

The first one was from November 2022

It is a partnership with the Natural History Museum and the DfE.

The second was announced recently, and relates to hedges.

This explores their link to greener schools.

This is a two year project.

Image: Alan Parkinson - shared under CC license