Online Talk – Chalk Dream: The Devastation and Restoration of England’s Chalk Streams

From our friends at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust:

Are England’s chalk streams really “man-made” habitats? Learn how our chalk streams have been damaged, and how we can heal them.

When we think of England’s chalk streams, we might picture “gin-clear” water teeming with brown trout, or lush green banks inhabited by water voles. These waterways are some of nature’s greatest gems… but just how natural are they?

Although chalk streams are precious wild places, their current forms have been shaped by human activity. Whether dredged, dammed, perched, or straightened, most have been substantially altered. As such, it can be hard to know what management they need to thrive.

In this talk, Mike Blackmore from Wessex Rivers Trust will explore how alteration has affected the health of our chalk streams. He’ll unpack the idea of the “man-made” stream, and share how restoration is bringing life back to these globally rare habitats. Join us to hear:

• The Happy Accident – how chalk streams were created.

• The Devastation of the Dredgers – how chalk streams were almost entirely destroyed.

• The Coming Crisis – present and future threats to chalk streams.

• Back from the Brink – restoring and preserving healthy chalk streams.

This event is part of Watercress and Winterbournes, a Landscape Partnership Scheme that is protecting, enhancing, and celebrating seven local chalk streams.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chalk-dream-the-devastation-and-restoration-of-englands-chalk-streams-tickets-759773923257