The Sparkling Streams Project (SSP) set out to restore and enhance the chalk rivers in the North Wessex Downs, with a focus on the Kennet River catchment. Led by the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, the project brought together a powerful partnership that included Hungerford Town and Manor, Action for the River Kennet (ARK), and the Southern Streams Farmers Group.
The goal was clear: improve the health of the River Kennet and its tributaries, the Shalbourne and Dun, while boosting biodiversity and fostering a deep connection between local communities and their natural environment. The project’s impact is undeniable, showcasing a model for landscape-scale conservation that can be replicated elsewhere.
From large-scale river restoration on the Kennet to smaller, yet significant, interventions on the Dun and Shalbourne, SSP engaged farmers, community members, and schoolchildren alike. The project was as much about hands-on conservation as it was about inspiring a sense of stewardship among those who call these landscapes home.
“As a farmer, to see volunteers and people coming out and helping is amazing, getting connected with your landscape is a big thing. Having people understanding what farming is and what it’s doing, is a massive positive thing. The work in the rivers is amazing, re-graveling riverbeds, opening up parts of the river that haven’t seen sunshine for many years."
Tom Beese, farmer.
Highlights include reconnecting a historic river channel at Eddington Mill, creating over 1km of new fish passage, enhancing 3km of river habitat, planting thousands of trees and hedges, and creating a raingarden at Shalbourne Primary School. The project involved 145 dedicated volunteers who contributed over 1,600 hours of their time.
The key to SSP’s success? A united vision, strong partnerships, and a commitment to engaging local communities. This collective effort leaves a lasting legacy—healthier rivers, empowered communities, and a blueprint for future conservation efforts. Sparkling Streams has not only revitalized the rivers but also strengthened the bonds between people and nature, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration and environmental stewardship.