River Thame Chalk Steam Strategy

A volunteer cleans a chalk stream in Chalgrove, carefully removing debris and maintaining the natural flow. The clear, sparkling water reflects the surrounding greenery as the volunteer works to preserve the stream’s health and support local wildlife.

River Thame Chalk Steam Strategy

Lead Organisation

River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT)

Partner Organisations

  • Environment Agency
  • Defra (Farming in a Protected Landscape)
  • Atkins
  • Chiltern Conservation Board
  • Risborough Environment Group
  • Watlington Environment Group
  • Watlington Climate Action Group
  • Chiltern Rangers
  • Chiltern Farm Cluster
  • Babylon Plants
  • Cuddesdon Mill Village Anglers Association
  • Amenity Water Management
  • Lofthouse Wildlife

Project Description

The RTCT have developed a strategy (2022-2026) for the eight scarp chalk stream tributaries in the River Thame catchment to help address Water Framework Directive challenges.

This sets out in-stream, riparian and floodplain initiatives to improve habitats, connectivity (fish passage) and river health in these unique environments, with the ultimate objective of reintroducing chalk stream species (e.g. brown trout and water vole) to tributaries where they no longer exist.

The work ranges from small scale volunteer events building natural habitat structures, natural flood management data gathering (eDNA, water quality, flow) of chalk stream polluters and engagement with polluters, regulators and abstractors to promote large scale fish passage and constructed wetland construction.

Project Location

The project area covers all chalk scarp streams in the River Thame catchment.

Contribution to Big Chalk

The RTCT-led strategy covers many aspects of the Big Chalk vision, specifically around chalk streams, chalk catchments and riparian areas.

It prioritises nature recovery and will help wildlife adapt to climate change.

It will also deliver water quality, flood management, soil stabilisation and public health and wellbeing benefits, including working with volunteer groups.

Read more
By River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT)
30 August 2024

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