In a statement the Department for Environment, Farming and Agriculture (DEFRA) confirmed plans to shelve the Chalk Stream Protective Pack announced by the previous government.
DEFRA said it is “exploring” the best approach to delivering its commitment to restore chalk streams to better ecological health as part of its reforms for the water sector. More information will be provided in due course.
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DEFRA said the government is exploring the best approach to deliver its commitment to restore chalk streams.A DEFRA spokesperson said: “This government inherited a water system where for too long water companies have pumped record levels of sewage into our waterways, and infrastructure has not kept pace with demand.
“It’s why the priority has been to take immediate steps to ringfence investment to ensure it goes directly into improvements – not bonuses and dividends – and place companies under special measures through the Water Bill, which includes a ban on the payment of unfair bonuses to polluting water bosses.
“This government is committed to restoring chalk streams and is investing in 55 river catchment projects to improve chalk streams, which will help clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.”
The MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, has been vocal in her opposition to deprioritising chalk streams.
In a statement, the MP said: “Here in Romsey and Southampton North we fully understand the importance of our chalk streams.
“The Test and the Itchen are globally renowned as two of the finest chalk streams there are.
“Back in 2023 I was campaigning alongside the Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust for greater action on chalk streams and was really pleased when the recovery plan was brought forward.
“Chalk streams are very special in their own right, they are unique ecosystems, and a general approach to river catchments does not adequately reflect their special characteristics.
Nokes continued: “I have written to the Secretary of State at DEFRA to let him know that those of us who understand and care about chalk streams feel very let down that the recovery plan will not now go ahead.”
Lorna Selby, Policy and Advocacy Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is very disappointed that the government has so far failed to take the action needed to save our chalk streams.
“A clear recovery plan has been on the table for some time now – developed with input from all sectors. What we need now is the political will to make it happen.”
“Our region’s chalk streams represent a globally exceptional habitat; with most of the world’s chalk streams found here in southern England.
“They are home to many vulnerable species, like salmon, water voles, white-clawed crayfish and kingfishers.
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“However, despite their ecological distinctiveness, they are suffering from the same chronic degradation and pollution issues that blight the rest of England’s waterways.
The policy and advocacy officer continued: “We strongly urge the government to introduce better protections for chalk streams in planning as a priority.
“Failing to do so risks irreparable damage to these special, irreplaceable habitats.”