Described as Britain’s equivalent of the Amazon Rainforest, chalk streams are a rare habitat characterized by clear waters and a diversity of wildlife. The majority of the world’s chalk streams – around 85% – are found in England, but only 11 of the 220 habitats have any legal protections.

Buckinghamshire is home to several chalk streams, including the Chess, Misbourne and Wye. These streams face many threats, such as over-abstraction to supply water for new housing, chemical pollution run-off from roads, fly tipping and the spread of invasive species.

In the face of these pressures, local volunteers stepped up to take action for a lesser-known local chalk stream, the Alder Bourne, joining the Colne Valley Regional Park and South Bucks Wombles litter pick and filling multiple van loads of abandoned rubbish and broken car parts.

Inspired by this action for the Alder Bourne, David Moore, Councillor for Farnham Common and Burnham Beeches, contacted BBOWT about their Save Our Chalk Streams campaign to find out what could be done. The Trust’s suggestions included a council motion, which Cllr Moore and Cllr Ade Osibogun took up and passed with universal cross-party approval and enthusiasm from the council.

This motion aims to protect chalk streams by: 

• Embedding stronger policies for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes chalk streams into the emerging Local Plan;
• Working with key partners such as BBOWT, the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project, River Thame Conservation Trust, Catchment Partnerships and others to raise awareness and promote protections;
• Calling on DEFRA and local water companies for tighter regulations on abstraction and further investment in water infrastructure.

Buckinghamshire Councillor for Farnham Common and Burnham, David Moore, said: 
“To the best of our knowledge, Buckinghamshire is the first unitary authority to adopt a dedicated pro-chalk-stream motion of this kind. I reached out to BBOWT after following their Save Our Chalk Streams campaign, as it was inspiring to see the Trust calling on MPs to support chalk stream amendments and legislation across the country. It’s an uphill battle to secure protections at a Parliamentary level, but grassroots efforts are growing, and it starts here with action on the ground. I’m really thankful to the Trust, alongside the Chilterns Society and Chilterns National Landscape, for their support.”

Senior Project Manager at Groundwork, Matthew Mountain, said:
“When we met with landowners and the local community at the Alder Bourne, and saw how united they were around this unique chalk stream, we recognised the opportunity to create a full river plan to tackle the various challenges it faces. We’ve already had great support and involvement from local councillors, landowners, the community, parish councils all the way up to Buckinghamshire County Council, and we hope over the next year to prioritise what needs to be done.”

Steph Horn, Chess Smarter Water Catchment Project Coordinator at Chilterns Chalk Stream Project, said: 
“Back in 2024, the Chilterns National Landscape team produced planning guidance for chalk streams. It has lots of information in it about how to manage chalk streams and look after their environment and special characteristics. It’s really fabulous to see the guidance adopted in 2025 by Buckinghamshire Council and embedded in their Chalk Stream Motion.”

BBOWT’s Planning and Policy Officer, Holly Gray, said:
“Thanks to everyone who has supported the Save Our Chalk Streams campaign, we have seen progress nationally to protect these rare and vital habitats for wildlife. But while we haven’t yet seen the full action we’re calling for from the Government, it’s incredible news to have this big local win. Councils, like Buckinghamshire, alongside local people and community groups are not waiting for the Government – they’re doing it themselves. When enough people act, the Government will have to catch up and finally give full legal protection to all chalk streams. We hope to hear from more local councillors across our counties who feel inspired to take similar action in their own councils.”

You can follow the Trust’s campaign by visiting:

Save our chalk streams