The inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Chalk Streams took place in Westminster on 15 July, bringing together 13 MPs along with Peers from across the political spectrum. 

The APPG has been established to raise awareness of the pressures facing chalk streams, promote nature's recovery and improve the condition of these internationally important rivers and streams. 

Chalk streams are among the world's rarest habitats. Many are found in Hampshire including the Test, Itchen and Meon. Fed by clear, filtered groundwater flowing through chalk aquifers, they support a rich variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the white-clawed crayfish, but face increasing pressures from pollution, water abstraction and development.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust will act as the secretariat for the APPG, supporting MPs and Peers with research, evidence, policy recommendations and events aimed at raising the profile of chalk streams in Parliament.

There was strong representation from Hampshire at the inaugural meeting, including Luke Murphy MP, one of the group's Officers, alongside Kit Malthouse MP and Danny Chambers MP. Many other parliamentarians have also expressed an interest in joining the group, including Liz Jarvis MP and Damian Hinds MP.

The appointment builds on Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's leading role in the Save Our Chalk Streams campaign, which has helped raise the profile of chalk streams in national policy discussions and has successfully secured recognition for chalk streams in England's National Planning Policy Framework. 

Lorna Selby, Policy and Advocacy Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Secretary of the APPG on Chalk Streams, said: "Over the past two years, the Save Our Chalk Streams campaign has grown from a small coalition of Local Wildlife Trusts into a powerful partnership of more than 10 Local Wildlife Trusts helping to shape national policy. I am proud to provide the secretariat for the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Chalk Streams on behalf of the campaign.

"I look forward to working with parliamentarians to deliver research and evidence, policy recommendations and impactful events that raise the profile of these globally rare habitats."

The APPG will work across party lines to champion the protection and recovery of chalk streams, ensuring these rare rivers remain high on the political agenda and helping to secure a better future for some of England's most precious freshwater habitats.

The group's priorities include securing special designated status for chalk streams, giving these globally rare habitats stronger legal recognition and protection - currently, only 11 of Britain's 220 chalk streams have any legal protection. It will also pursue a wider programme of reform, including stronger regulatory duties, improved regional water planning, abstraction reform and greater support for catchment partnerships.

The APPG launch comes ahead of a pivotal legislative moment, as the anticipated introduction of the Government's Clean Water Bill is expected later this year, providing an important opportunity to influence future policy.

Alongside its national campaigning work, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is leading efforts across Hampshire to secure stronger planning protection for chalk streams to prevent development-related harm. The Trust has worked with councils across the county to advance Rights of the River motions and declarations. Southampton City Council, Test Valley Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council have all introduced motions recognising the Rights of Rivers, while Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council has formally adopted a Declaration on Rights of Rivers. The Rights of the River framework recognises that rivers have inherent rights, including the right to flow, remain free from pollution, support native biodiversity and be restored.