Hertfordshire’s chalk rivers are among the rarest freshwater habitats on earth. There are fewer than 260 chalk streams in the world, and around 10% of them flow through Hertfordshire.
These rivers support a unique ecology, providing habitats for iconic and threatened species such as the water vole, brown trout and a rich diversity of aquatic plants and invertebrates.
Yet they are in serious decline, with 77% of England’s chalk streams failing to meet the required ‘Good Status’ under the Water Framework Directive. Nearly half are considered unlikely to meet conservation targets without significant intervention.
This investment enabled Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) to accelerate their work to protect chalk rivers and deliver an ambitious river restoration programme across five key sites on the River Lea, River Quin, River Ash and River Stort.
Installing woody habitats, restoring curves to a straightened river and removing barriers to allow fish to pass through were among the most significant works delivered through the project. A dedicated kingfisher nest bank was constructed at the River Stort, providing the steep earthen face that this species requires for nesting.
HMWT’s long-term relationships with landowners, contractors and statutory partners were critical in enabling it to move quickly. One staff member commented: “[The restored locations] can be used as sort of show and tell case study sites and to get other new landowners on board… which has already happened.”
The Species Survival Fund was a £25million two-year programme, delivered by us on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It supported 20 projects across England to create and restore wildlife-rich habitats and strengthen people's connection with nature. Find out more about the achievements of the programme.
