Chalk streams are one of the rarest habitats on Earth, and we’re lucky to have most of them (85%) right here in England. This makes them rarer than the Bengal tiger, and they need to be protected. The clear water also makes for the perfect home for a variety of plants and animals, including, brown trout, the flag iris and several species of mayfly. Otters, kingfishers and water voles all make their homes on the banks.
This World Wildlife Day, let’s dive into the world of chalk streams and meet some of the creatures that call them home.
Water voles – The riverbank’s little explorers
With their round faces and tiny paws, they’re expert burrowers, making homes in riverbanks. Sadly, habitat loss and pollution have put them at risk. Chalk streams provide them with the clean water and lush vegetation they need to survive.
Kingfishers – The flash of blue
Blink, and you might miss them! Kingfishers are nature’s streak of electric blue, darting above the water before plunging in to catch fish. These birds rely on clear, healthy streams to find food. If chalk streams disappear, so does their hunting ground.
Brown trout – The stream’s secret swimmers
Brown trout love cold, oxygen-rich water, making chalk streams the perfect place for them. These fish are vital to the food chain, feeding otters and kingfishers. Without clean, flowing water, they struggle to thrive.
Otters – The River’s Top Predators
Otters are playful, curious, and a sign of a healthy river. They rely on chalk streams to hunt fish and find safe places to rest. Seeing one in the wild is a special moment, but without clean water and enough food, their numbers could fall.
How you can help
Right now, our chalk streams face threats from the increasing demand from a growing population, and the impacts of climate change. But together, we can protect them!
Customers in our supply area use 155 litres of water every day, which is 20 litres more than the national average. We all need to work together to leave more water in the local environment to protect these precious habitats and the wildlife that depend on them.
By joining the Save Our Streams community, you can get top water-saving tips, advice, and devices to help keep more water in our chalk streams. Register today and become a Stream Saver – because when we Save Our Streams, we protect the wildlife that depends on them.