Mending the Misbourne
A major new project to help restore one of the Chilterns’ treasured chalk streams is now getting under way. Mending the Misbourne is a five-year programme led by the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project, working with local partners to improve the health of the River Misbourne and help more people connect with this special place. The river is currently classed as being in poor ecological status, with pressures including sewage pollution, road run-off, low flows, flooding and habitat loss.
One of the first priorities for our team is baselining: building a clear picture of the river and its catchment at the start of the programme. This means gathering and reviewing existing evidence, identifying gaps, and setting up the information needed to measure progress over time. Alongside this, the team are identify catchment monitoring sites that can help track changes in water quality, flows and habitat condition, creating a stronger evidence base for future action.
Another key step is bringing people together. The programme is based upon workshops completed in 2023, working with partners across the catchment, to create a plan. River Misbourne Catchment Plan The project aims to set up working groups to look at key themes: Water quality, Water Flow, Nature Recovery and Working Together. Work has started on identifying stakeholders, from community groups and local residents to councils, conservation organisations, water companies and regulators to join these groups.
Community participation will be at the heart of Mending the Misbourne. Citizen science training and activities have already begun, giving volunteers the chance to learn practical skills and contribute directly to understanding the river. Drawing on successful approaches used elsewhere in the Chilterns, these activities will include riverfly monitoring, habitat surveys and water quality checks to name but a few. We are working closely with the knowledgeable volunteers of local river group Misbourne River Action. By combining local knowledge, expert input and hands-on involvement, the project team are quietly beavering away at the moment, building strong foundations to deliver long term recovery.