The event, on Wednesday 18 June 2025,gave the local community the opportunity to come together to share their concerns and hopes for the future of two of Hampshire’s iconic chalk streams - the Itchen and the Meon. 

The evening provided a space for residents to speak out about the threats facing local rivers, from pollution and over-abstraction to habitat loss and inappropriate development. Their contributions will directly inform a new bespoke Rights of the River motion for Winchester, which councillors aim to present at Full Council later this year.

The motion aims to grant rivers and chalk streams in Winchester ‘legal personhood’. This transformative step will secure their place in council decision-making, giving them stronger protection, and a voice in their own future. 

This approach is informed by the Universal Declaration of River Rights, which sets out six essential rights for rivers: 

1. The right to flow
2. The right to perform essential functions within their ecosystems
3. The right to be free from pollution
4. The right to connect with sustainable aquifers
5. The right to native biodiversity
6. The right to regenerate and be restored

These fundamental rights will better equip communities and decision-makers to defend these precious rivers from environmental pressures including pollution, over-abstraction and inappropriate development.

The Winchester initiative follows the recent success of a Rights of the River motion passed by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council. Building on this momentum, the campaign in Winchester represents another vital step toward securing long-term, community-led protection for England’s chalk streams - globally rare habitats found in only a handful of places on Earth.

Lorna Selby, Policy & Advocacy Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wildlife Trust, said: “Chalk streams are some of the rarest and most precious ecosystems on Earth, and here in Winchester are some of the most iconic examples - the Itchen and the Meon. It’s been inspiring to see such strong local support for the Rights of the River motion. It is clear that local residents recognise the urgent need to tackle the mounting pressures facing our waterways.

“Today’s event is just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside Winchester City Councillors to take this important motion forward later this year.”

Suzanne White, Winchester City Councillor representing Central Meon Valley, said: “This event brought together a wide range of interested residents, key river stakeholders and local conservationists to discuss our irreplaceable local chalk streams. Their shared knowledge and experience have been vital in helping shape the potential council motion.

“It was also very encouraging to hear how several other councils across Hampshire are considering a similar 'Rights of the River' motion to do all they can to enhance protections for chalk streams." 

Find out more about the Trust’s Save Our Chalk Streams campaign here.