The Battle to Protect Chalk Streams: A Case Study of the River Chess

Chalk streams, often referred to as “iconic” and “precious” by ecologists, are facing threats from water and sewage companies despite their environmental significance. The River Chess, a typical chalk stream, lacks special protection measures such as being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest or a Special Area of Conservation, leaving it vulnerable to exploitation.

In 2020, abstraction from the River Chess at Chesham ceased, a positive step towards conservation. However, the Environment Agency (EA) quietly suggested to the water company, Affinity Water, to resume abstraction from the Chesham pumping station to control flooding. This decision raised concerns as aquifers in chalk streams require time to replenish, and abrupt pumping can harm the ecosystem.

After pressure from organizations like WildFish, the EA paused the agreement and promised to consult on the matter. Eventually, the EA proposed to revoke the abstraction license for Chesham Pumping Station, acknowledging the complexity of flow and flood risk in chalk streams.

While this is a positive development for the River Chess, there are still concerns about similar agreements on other chalk streams. The EA’s actions on these rivers will be closely monitored to ensure the protection of these valuable ecosystems. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing issue.