Watercress and Winterbournes
River Itchen © Linda Pitkin/2020VISION
The Rivers Test and Itchen are iconic features of the Hampshire landscape, but the chalk streams that give them life are some of the greatest hidden treasures in the county. These beautiful waters go by many names in our area, from brooks and rivulets to sources and headwaters. Those that only flow during the wet winter months have another name again - winterbournes.
With only around 200 existing worldwide, and most of those in England, chalk streams provide an ecologically rare home for a whole host of wonderful wildlife. Here in Hampshire their cool, oxygenated, alkaline waters provide a uniquely perfect habitat for species like water vole, brown trout, southern damselfly, water crowfoot, and endangered white-clawed crayfish.
Our streams also have another story to tell: that of a landscape shaped by centuries of human activity. Adjacent fields are marked with patterns from old water meadows, while mysterious riverside structures speak of trades ranging from gin distilling to paper production. Today many of these historic industries continue, with our area being famous for watercress growing and fly fishing.
With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Watercress and Winterbournes is telling the story of this vibrant past and building a bright future. This five-year Landscape Partnership Scheme brings together local communities and 16 organisations to restore and celebrate the Bourne Rivulet, Candover Brook, Cheriton Stream, Pillhill Brook, River Arle, Upper Anton, and Upper Test.
Map reproduced by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Crown copyright 2016 100015632. Unauthorised reproduction infringes copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. British Crown and MarineFind Ltd. All rights reserved. BAP Priority habitat, notable species and SINC data supplied by the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre on behalf of the HBIC Partnership. Aerial photography courtesy of GetMapping plc.
© Jon Milliken
Support flooding research
Living near a river or stream has many advantages, from employment and recreation to opportunities for wildlife-spotting. But for some residents the proximity has another, less positive outcome: a risk of localised flooding.
As the human impact upon the streams increases, so does the need for us to help them cope with times of high flow. We're researching nature-based solutions to the issue of flooding, and want to hear the views of Hampshire residents and landowners.
Photography © Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Capture the streams
Feeling inspired by our splendid streams and their curious winterbournes? We're looking for photos that showcase the special qualities of these spaces and the people who call them home. If you're a Hampshire resident with photos of the scheme area, you could be a winner in our Tales from the Riverbank Photography Competition!
© Tom Marshall
Explore our plans
You can now read our Landscape Conservation Action Plan, which outlines our work so far and our aims for the future. It includes a look at the value of our chalk streams, they pressures they face, and the projects we're proposing to protect them.
Over five exciting years we’ll improve habitats, protect vulnerable species, and address key pressures like pollution and flooding. We’ll celebrate the ways in which our chalk streams have inspired people past and present, and raise awareness about the incredible wildlife that calls them home.
© Paul Gonella
Shape local conservation
If you live within the scheme area then a great way to get involved is to join one of our Community Catchment Groups. We work closely with these groups to develop partnership projects addressing the unique needs of their areas, and to shape conservation activities in their local patch and beyond. To join your local group, or for more information, get in touch via email or contact Maggie Shelton on 07741 572366.
News and blogs
Photography competition captures our chalk streams
Feeling inspired by our splendid chalk streams? You could be a winner in our new Tales from the Riverbank Photography Competition.
Habitat Restoration at Little Ann
Chalk streams are fantastic places for wild fish, but only if they reach their full potential. The Watercress and Winterbournes partners…
New blooms for the Cheriton Stream
Cheriton's chalk stream has been made a little greener, as children from the village primary school join their local conservation…
Vital repairs for Alresford Eel House
The historic Eel House in Alresford has been fortified by crucial repair works, which were supported by a number of local donors…
Funding success for Watercress and Winterbournes
We are delighted to announce that our Landscape Partnership Scheme, Watercress and Winterbournes, has been awarded £1,937,800 by the…
25 years of the National Lottery
As the National Lottery celebrates its 25th birthday, we look at what their support has enabled us to achieve in the last year.