Did you know Hertfordshire is home to some of the rarest natural habitats in the world? Our beautiful county is crisscrossed by crystal clear, spring-fed chalk streams. Rarer than active volcanoes and rainforests, 85% can be found in the UK. We chatted to talked to Not Bourne Yesterday at a recent Harpenden Sustainability Market about how you can reconnect with your local chalk streams. They will be popping up at Our Planet Our Future’s next event at the Harpenden Arms on the 9th of March at 7:30 pm, Celebrating Our Local Chalk Streams.
The National Lottery Heritage-funded programme is run by a team of two, Fran and Martha. They aim to restore both the rivers and landscapes they flow through, and help people build stronger relationships with local chalk streams. Arguing that we now need chalk stream champions more than ever, the programme will be delivered over five years and help local residents get the most out of rivers’ and waterways’ wellbeing benefits.
What are chalk streams?
The Chilterns’ chalk streams have been important to people’s livelihoods and wellbeing since at least the Stone Age and have inspired poetry, artwork and stories. They are rich in minerals, often shallow and flow with crystal clear water. They exist because the Chilterns were formed over a chalk aquifer, porous rock which acts as a sponge. Rain seeps into the rock and is stored in the pores and fractures. It feeds the river with important minerals such as calcium, meaning it can support a variety of rare and threatened species.
Unfortunately, chalk streams are threatened by climate change, as well as homes and businesses diverting water away from them. This means we need to work together to rediscover our chalk streams to protect them for future generations. Not Bourne Yesterday are currently developing restoration projects and improving accessibility to help more people enjoy the streams.
What is Not Bourne Yesterday’s top eco tip? ‘Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth – it could save 6 litres of water a minute!’
Get involved
Not Bourne Yesterday are running a series of pilot events in local communities, designed to bring the natural and cultural heritage of chalk streams to life. You can discover a range of exciting volunteer opportunities on offer, and they also have employment opportunities to help young people access a career in conservation.
They have also put together a five-minute survey to assess how Hertfordshire’s residents want to get involved in their local chalk streams. If you take it, you’ll be in with a chance to win a £50 All4One voucher. You can find out more information on their website, Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.
Join us at the next Sustainability Market on Sunday the 15th of March to discover local eco and food stalls that promote a more sustainable lifestyle and to meet local eco community organisation. Visit our markets page for the full schedule of dates. You can also join our next Our Planet Our Future event, Celebrating our Local Chalk Rivers, at 7:30 pm on Monday the 9th of March at the Harpenden Arms, just ahead of the International Day of Action for Rivers on the 14th of March. We’ll also be joined by Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Ver Valley Society, who will share what they’re doing, including a water vole release. Book your free ticket here.