Volunteers from the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme have received some well-deserved recognition for their hard work in the Alresford area. It comes in the form of a certificate from the Alresford Society - a civic society serving the town and nearby villages.

For over a decade, the Society has given certificates to community members who show a commitment to improving or celebrating the town. This certificate was awarded to a group of volunteers who regularly monitor the health of several local chalk streams.

Mentioned by name is the group's leader - Howard Boardman. A River Keeper for over 14 years, and a keen angler for even longer, Howard is deeply committed to protecting our chalk streams. He plays a key role in training and coordinating a group of his fellow volunteers.

This group of Chalk Stream Champions perform riverfly monitoring on the headwaters of the River Itchen: the Candover Brook, River Arle, and Cheriton Stream. The year-round presence and species-specific sensitivities of riverflies make them excellent water quality indicators.

Using the Anglers’ Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) method every month, and the SmartRivers method twice a year, the group gather crucial data about the health of these chalk streams. This data informs efforts by the Wildlife Trust, and other organisations, to improve and conserve these rare habitats.

Our congratulations to Howard and his fellow volunteers, and our thanks for their dedication. If you share their passion for protecting chalk streams, why not become a Chalk Stream Champion? There are lots of ways to get involved, and a welcoming community waiting to meet you.