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Why chalk streams must be granted irreplaceable habitat status

Chalk streams are among the most precious and rare freshwater ecosystems on Earth, and we are lucky to enjoy them across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Characterised by their crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters, filtered through ancient chalk bedrock, they support a unique array of wildlife such as white-clawed crayfish, kingfishers and water voles. Despite their global rarity and ecological value, these rivers are still not recognised as irreplaceable habitats within planning policy.

As part of the Save Our Chalk Streams campaign, we are urging the Government to honour its previous commitments to enhancing protections for chalk streams by officially designating these rare rivers as irreplaceable habitats within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). 

The state of our chalk streams 

Our chalk streams are already under immense pressure. Development in the wrong places intensify these threats, including those from over-abstraction, sewage discharges and pollution from traffic contaminants like heavy metals and micro-plastics in road runoff.  

As the Government prioritises accelerating development, it is vital that nature is not left behind. Our communities rely heavily on local chalk streams to provide essential services, from drinking water in our homes to beautiful spaces for recreation which we can all enjoy.  

Despite their importance, our chalk streams are in a poor state: 

  • Only 17% of chalk stream waterbodies achieve good ecological status.
  • Zero chalk streams in England are considered in good overall health.
  • 40% were subjected to more than 10 hours of storm overflows in 2025.
  • Over a third are significantly impacted by water abstraction 

Without stronger protections, this decline is likely to continue.  

A broken promise 

Despite previous government assurances to provide explicit recognition for chalk streams in national policy, the current draft of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) falls short.  

On 13 November 2025, Matthew Pennycook committed to ‘explicit recognition of chalk streams in the suite of national policies for decision-making’. On 3 December 2025 he added that this will ensure ‘clear expectations are set for plan-makers…in respect of managing the impacts of development on these sensitive waterbodies’. However, in its current state, the Framework treats chalk streams as merely something to identify rather than a habitat that must be actively protected from the impacts of development.  

Chalk streams meet every requirement for irreplaceable habitat status. They are unique, rare habitats, and technically impossible to recreate once damaged. To treat them as anything less in our planning system is negligent and puts them at severe risk.   

Taking Action 

In March, over 5,400 people demanded that the Government grant chalk streams irreplaceable habitat status in the National Planning Policy Framework.  

As the responses to the consultation are reviewed, we are working with partners to keep the pressure on.  

On Monday 20April, we sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government signed by the leaders of 18 environmental NGOs, urging the Government to recognise chalk streams as irreplaceable habitats within upcoming planning reforms.  

This comes at a time when momentum is building in Parliament. Chalk streams have featured prominently in last year's Planning and Infrastructure Bill debates, and now in the Pippa Heylings’ Chalk Streams (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) Bill.  

It is time for the Government to take decisive action to save our chalk streams.  To read the full open letter, and see the list of signatories, click here.

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