Save our streams

Councillors from across Norfolk are demanding that the government takes urgent action to protect the UK’s “rain forest”.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has joined forces with other wildlife trusts and 215 councillors across the UK – 62 from Norfolk – to send a powerful open letter to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and environment secretary Steve Reed, urging them to strengthen the protections for chalk streams within planning policy.

Glaven at Bayfield Photo credit Norfolk Rivers Trust

This united front comes amid reports that the government has shelved the promised Chalk Stream Recovery Pack – a key initiative aimed at safeguarding these globally significant habitats.

The letter highlights the critical need to designate chalk streams – including the Glaven – and their catchments with a bespoke protection in the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

It asks for parliament to support efforts to protect the precious rivers – which are common in Norfolk and include the Wensum – allowing new homes to be built without sacrificing the health of these fragile waterways.

Chalk streams are known for their clear and sparkling waters but these rare habitats, which support wildlife including brown trout, kingfishers and Norfolk Hawker dragonflies, have suffered decades of pollution, overuse and neglect.

Eliot Lyne, chief executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: “We are custodians of a globally rare wildlife habitat. Chalk streams are the UK’s Amazon rainforest. As their glittering paths meander through our landscape they play host to a rich diversity of life and are crucial for the wellbeing of our local communities.

“It’s hard to imagine a world without them, but with so many of our waterways under real threat from pollution, over-abstraction and climate change, this is the future we face if our government doesn’t give chalk streams the protection they deserve.”

Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “I am really pleased to see NWT adding their name to the work being done already by the Norfolk Coastal Partnership, the North Norfolk Coastal Group, Norfolk Rivers Authority and others to that ensure these unique chalk streams are brought back to their original state.”

For more information, visit  norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/saveourchalkstreams