Chilterns Chalk Streams Project

10/10/2026

Bringing a chalk stream back to life 💧

A new channel at Latimer is helping to restore the natural flow of the river, creating better habitats for wildlife and improving the health of this precious chalk stream.
Thanks for everyone involved in this project including CHAP for support with heritage advice and oversight.
See the progress and hear from CCSP project manager, Adrian in our latest reel!

R J BULL, Environmental Contractors River Chess Association CHAP CIC

09/10/2026

Exciting News!
Calling all young explorers! A New Chilterns Chalk Stream Challenge Route is Here!

Following the success of our River Chess and River Ver routes, we're delighted to launch a brand-new Chilterns Chalk Stream Challenge along the River Misbourne at Denham Country Park!

This family-friendly route is packed with things to discover and includes convenient parking, toilets, and a café. Simply download the route and activity pack, then choose from a range of fun challenges and activities as you explore.

🏅 Complete the challenge and claim your badge for just £1!

All the info you need is here: https://www.chilternstreams.org/learning/community-groups/chalk-stream-challenge-badge/

Join us at Gerrards Cross Library on 29th October Come along for a FREE craft activity and find out more about the Chalk Stream Challenge badge. More details coming soon!

Group leaders: Please make sure you read the leader information before your visit, as there are some important things you need to know before doing the challenge.

A huge thank you to the Watercress and Winterbournes team for developing the original programme, and to Bucks Country Parks and the Colne Valley Regional Park for their support in bringing this route to life.

Chilterns National Landscape Buckinghamshire Country Parks Groundwork East Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Its fact friday for Chalk Stream Unblocktober: Think before you flush!
Wet wipes might seem harmless, but flushing them can contribute to blocked drains and sewer problems. Even wipes labelled “flushable” can cause issues.
And when drains and sewers overflow, there’s a risk of pollution reaching our precious chalk streams.
🚫 Bin it, don’t flush it.
Only flush the 3 Ps: p*e, poo and paper.
A simple change at home can help protect our rivers and the wildlife that depends on them. 💙

08/10/2026

⚠️ Temporary Closure at Chenies

From today, the bridleway section of the Chess Valley Walk at Chenies will be closed to allow essential improvement works to be carried out.

We're sorry for the temporary inconvenience, but these upgrades will help create a more resilient and accessible route for everyone to enjoy. The photo shows the path during flooding in June 2024.

Works will be completed by the end of October, and we'll let you know as soon as the path reopens.
River Chess Association Chiltern Society

07/10/2026

This Saturday we ran Extended Riverfly training - a great day diving into river invertebrate ID!

Extended Riverfly is a more detailed version of the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative, identifying 33 groups instead of 8 groups. This provides us with detailed information about river ecology, and we use it to monitor restoration works and understand environmental pressures.

Fancy getting involved? Why not head to our website to find out about our work with the CHM Riverfly Hub and upcoming citizen science opportunities across the Chilterns chalk streams
https://f.mtr.cool/56k2ox0gem


Chilterns National Landscape Riverfly Partnership Chiltern Society River Chess Association

06/10/2026

Simple joys!

05/10/2026

What makes a catchment partnership?
People, passion and collaboration with a shared commitment to our rivers. 💙

A healthy river catchment needs many people and organisations working together, from local communities and environmental groups to farmers, landowners, businesses and public bodies.

The ColneCAN Conference 2026 is an opportunity to bring people together to celebrate community-led river action across the Colne catchment, share experiences and connect with others who care about the future of our rivers. Come along, meet us and others, and share ideas, be part of the conversation about community action for our rivers.

📅 ColneCAN Conference - Thursday 15th October 2026 - 9am-4pm
🌊 Celebrating Community-Led River Action

🎟️ Sign up and book your place: https://f.mtr.cool/dahxypt3sr

Colne Valley Regional Park

04/10/2026

A hidden beauty for World Animals Day ... this incredible Stone Loach was found by two Riverfly volunteers on the Chess, Mark Gardiner and Mark Anderson, whilst kick sampling for aquatic invertebrates

Funnily enough, the Stone Loach would also be looking for invertebrates such as mayfly nymphs and freshwater shrimps as they are its main prey!

Stone loach are mostly nocturnal and perfectly camouflaged amongst the gravel riverbeds in which they live. They use their distinctive 'barbels' whisker-like feelers to find their prey.

What interesting creatures have you spotted in and around your local river?


Chilterns National Landscape River Chess Association Chiltern Society

04/10/2026

World Animal Day: Celebrating the Wildlife of Our Chalk Streams

Today is World Animal Day (coinciding with feast day of St Francis of Assisi) and we celebrate the incredible animals that share our planet and reflect on how our actions affect the natural world.

Here in the Chilterns, our globally rare chalk streams are home to a fascinating variety of wildlife. From brown trout darting through crystal-clear waters and colourful kingfishers flashing along the riverbanks, to delicate river insects that support entire food webs, these special habitats provide a home for countless species.

World Animal Day is a reminder that every animal plays an important role in our ecosystems. By protecting chalk streams from pollution, habitat loss and other pressures, we can help ensure these remarkable creatures continue to thrive for generations to come.

Take a moment to appreciate the wildlife around you and consider what small actions you can take to make the world a kinder place for all animals.

🐟 What's your favourite chalk stream species?


photo credit: William Parkinson