Phosphate Investigations Update
Date: 07th July 2026
We have been continuing our investigation into Phosphate levels in the River Chess using citizen science data, keep reading to find out the latest results!
News
Collaborations with QMUL on the Chess
Date: 07th July 2026
We work closely with Queen Mary University of London on the Chess Smarter Water Catchment project, including managing our continuous water quality monitoring network ‘ChessWatch’, and supporting many student dissertations and research projects. At our latest River Chess Citizen Science Evening we were joined by Laboratory Technician Megan Dougherty and recent graduates Chiara Buquicchio and...
Work with us!
Date: 03rd July 2026
We are offering an exciting opportunity to join the committed and friendly team at the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project, working to conserve a globally rare habitat in one of the country’s finest and most accessible protected landscapes. Could you be our new Rivers Officer?
Mending the Misbourne
Date: 10th June 2026
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...
New brown trout breeding survey results out now!
Date: 22nd May 2026
A new citizen science survey on the River Chess has uncovered encouraging signs for brown trout, with 191 redds (spawning nests) recorded during winter 2025/26. Led by the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project in partnership with the Environment Agency and the River Chess Association, the pilot recruited 15 trained volunteers who carried out 76 surveys between...
Winterbourne Management Guidance
Date: 24th March 2026
We are delighted to have supported in the creation of Winterbourne Management Guidance. Winterbournes are distinctive chalk stream habitats that flow seasonally, supporting a mosaic of Chalk Streams specialist wildlife adapted to natural cycles of wetting and drying. Despite their ecological value, winterbournes have often been overlooked in river management, leaving them vulnerable to sediment build-up, inappropriate vegetation management, and...
Ewelme Brook: Citizen science spotlight
Date: 24th March 2026
It has been a busy Spring on the Ewelme Brook! We have been working with local groups, Friends of the Watercress Beds and Benson Area Nature Group, to investigate sediment and nutrient pollution and pathways. In February, Andrew, previously trained as a MudSpotter trainer with CCSP, delivered a Mudspotter training session. MudSpotter involves going...
EA confirms closure of Chesham Pumping Station
Date: 02nd December 2025
The Environment Agency confirmed that it has revoked Affinity Water’s licence to abstract water from Chesham Pumping station earlier this month, ending months of uncertainty over the future of the site. Affinity Water voluntarily turned off their pumps at the site in 2020 to improve flows in the River Chess following years of campaigning...
SmartRivers results
Date: 24th November 2025
SmartRivers on the Hamble brook This year we conducted the first SmartRivers surveys of the Hamble, to both assess the current health of the brook and as part of baseline monitoring for planned restoration schemes. SmartRivers is a citizen science monitoring method run by Wild Fish, it involves kick-sampling to collect aquatic invertebrates with the sample sent off for laboratory...
Garden designers required!
Date: 03rd October 2025
The Chilterns National Landscape is seeking a garden designer to create a new, eco-friendly design for Chesham station garden. The award-winning garden, now managed by Chesham in Bloom volunteers, has opportunity to educate others in environmentally friendly and water conscious gardening while preserving the beloved features that make it such a special part of the...