The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams are a unique habitat because, unlike most rivers, rainwater soaks into the underlying geology and is filtered and cooled.  It reappears at springs where the now stable and low energy system supports species that are reliant on these conditions.  A Project Officer was employed in 2006 to promote protection of this threatened habitat.  The past year has seen considerable progress, including;  

• Four enhancement projects, varying from simple bank-side fencing to more complex in-stream channel narrowing.
• Support for eight Higher Level Stewardship Schemes covering over 32km of chalk stream.
• Hosting of the UK Chalk Stream Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group for Chalk Rivers and raising awareness of the Lincolnshire chalk streams.

As part of this process, the Project Officer has made over 100 site visits to landowners, community groups and other interested parties.  More will be done next year; plans are afoot for a number of enhancement schemes on the Waithe Beck, where significant interest has been shown.   

So if you wish to know more about the stream running through your land, what improvements can be made or how the Project can support your Higher Level Stewardship application, please contact: 

Ian Rees, Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Officer

Telephone, 01507 609740 or e-mail aonb@lincswolds.org.uk