Helping our chalk streams
March 11, 2022
Sophie Evingar, from the Watercress and Winterbournes project in Hampshire, gives an update on exciting plans to help care for our precious chalk streams.
This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme.
This initiative sees the South Downs National Park Authority join 15 other partners in caring for seven chalk streams – the headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen. These vibrant habitats are home to many rare and fascinating species.
In 2022, be sure to look out for the first projects to receive the scheme’s community grants. This funding enables local groups and organisations to run their own projects aimed at protecting, enhancing, and celebrating the headwaters. With four grants recently awarded, we’re excited to see these brilliant ideas come to life this year.
Andover Trees United has received £5,000 to connect the people of Andover, Appleshaw, and Vernham Dean with their chalk streams.
Musical workshops will culminate in performances of stream-themed traditional songs, and artist-led walks will inform the design of engagement resources about ecology and heritage.
Hampshire Bat Group has received £2,000 to install 35 woodcrete bat boxes in stream-adjacent areas. The abundant insect life of the streams makes them rich feeding grounds for many bat species, all of which are under pressure from human activity. By providing safe roosting places, the boxes will help our bat populations to thrive.
New Alresford Town Trust has received £3,090 to enhance one of the River Arle’s key heritage features. The historic Eel House is almost unique in the UK and shares its story through special open days. The Town Trust is creating portable display boards and an information booklet focused on the European eel – an amazing but threatened species.
The Watercress Way Charity has received £3,729 to run a programme of public events. Each will create opportunities to explore, enjoy, and learn about the River Arle, its wildlife, and its heritage
Our grant scheme is ongoing, so if you have a great project idea we’d love to hear it! Learn more at www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes/communitygrants
