Farmers are facing more challenges today due to global warming, which leads to extreme weather. Other problems, like pollution and habitat loss, are also harming the environment. Since farmers take care of 70% of the UK’s land, they're being asked to take on more responsibility and protect the nature around them, like our precious local chalk streams.
Heavy rain and heat waves can wash away important nutrients from the soil, causing erosion. This damage lowers soil quality, which can lead to poor water quality. When the soil isn't healthy, it affects the plants and animals that depend on clean water. It's important to use methods that protect the soil to keep our ecosystems balanced and thriving.
Why Are Chalk Streams Special?
Chalk streams are some of the most beautiful and rare habitats on the planet. Of the 260 chalk streams in the world, 224 of them are in England and 10% of those are located within the Affinity Water supply area.
However, some farming methods can threaten water quality when chemicals, fertilizers, or soil wash into streams, especially during rainfall.
Chalk streams are rare and need clean groundwater to stay healthy. Their water is filtered through chalk, which keeps it clear and fresh. But, when pollution gets into the groundwater, it not only risks water supplies but also harms chalk stream ecosystems, affecting fish, plants, and insects. Keeping these streams clean is important because they provide a home for wildlife and are valuable to local communities.
Farmers are key in keeping groundwater clean, which helps chalk streams stay healthy. Their efforts protect the environment and support the wildlife that depend on these streams.
What Does Affinity Water Do To Help Keep Chalk Streams Healthy?
Affinity Water works closely with farmers to encourage eco-friendly methods that help reduce pollution and protect groundwater quality. By teaming up, they ensure that both farming and chalk streams can flourish, which supports wildlife and provides clean water and healthy food for local communities.
Encourage farmers to use natural fertilizers and plant cover crops. These methods help reduce harmful substances from entering groundwater. They also help set up buffer zones, which are strips of land near streams that catch runoff before it reaches the water.
Better soil means less water that flows over the ground, which helps keep our streams cleaner. Affinity Water supports farmers in adopting practices that make the soil healthier, like planting different crops or reducing how often fields are ploughed.
Why Farmers’ Support Matters
Working together creates a win-win situation for farmers and the environment. Farmers get the tools and support they need to practice eco-friendly farming, while chalk streams and groundwater stay clean and healthy. Affinity Water also provides training and even financial support to help farmers make these changes.
Affinity Water are also collaborating with farmers to promote land management practices that protect water and the environment. Through the Landscape Enterprise Network (LENs) East of England project, they share costs with other ecosystem service buyers such as Nestlé Purina, enhancing their collective impact.
What Can You Do To Help?
Everyone can help protect chalk streams, not just farmers. The whole community can join local clean-up projects or support efforts that focus on sustainable water use. Our SOS (Save Our Streams) program is a great way to get involved and learn more about how to help. Taking small actions like these helps keep chalk streams and groundwater safe for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future.