The River Chess Chalk Stream Challenge, launched in Autumn 2024, invites families and groups to explore chalk streams through a self-guided walk and engaging activities. Originally created by volunteers for the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme in Hampshire, the idea was adapted for the Chess with support from the Smarter Water Catchment Project and...
Invasive non-native species can outcompete native plants, harming wildlife and the environment, and can even impact on our health. Throughout the Chilterns globally rare chalk streams are being negatively affected by these plants. Please help us fight back
Working with the landowner and using funding from Thames Waters’ Smarter Water Catchment programme, 800m of fencing and gates have been installed at Mill Farm Meadow, Chenies. This will allow controlled grazing to take place on 3½ hectares of wet meadow and help manage the vegetation growth in the bypass channel that runs alongside. This...
We’re proud to have collaborated with the Chilterns Conservation Board on the launch of the Chilterns Chalk Streams Planning Guidance – the first of its kind in England. This important new resource aims to improve the way chalk streams are considered in planning and development decisions, helping to protect and restore these rare and precious...
Chalk streams and their landscapes are a characteristic and attractive feature of the Chilterns National Landscape. The Chilterns chalk streams are, however, amongst the most threatened of all chalk streams in the world. Currently, none of the Chilterns’ chalk streams are in good ecological condition but they still support an abundance of wildlife and are...
We can finally announce the publication of a comprehensive report on citizen science activity conducted on the River Chess from 2021 to 2025. The report presents result from a collaborative effort between researchers, environmentalists, conservationists and dedicated citizen scientists and it helps us understand the the current health of the River Chess. These results will...
Thanks to our friends at Maydencroft, and the amazing volunteers at the Chesham Environmental Group, the restored site at Chesham Moor is being given a head-start in its recovery: The whole site has been seeded with three special mixes of native seed; 100sqm of wildflower turf, containing 29 different varieties of wild flowers and 4...
We are very pleased to announce that following a visit by the Bucks Council Bridge Inspector and the removal of the metal fencing, the new Chesham Moor footbridge… is open! We hope you enjoy the wider, safer structure and step-free access. Crossing it gives you the opportunity to view the revitalised, more energetic channel, complete...
Funded by Smarter Water Catchment Project the CCSP education team have produced a series of films with local schools. Have a look at our first film and keep an eye for more to come!
Temporary footbridge closure and path diversion at junction of Bois Moor Road and Moor Road 25th to 28th November. As part of the habitat improvement works at Chesham Moor, the existing concrete footbridge is being replaced and the footpath will need to be temporarily closed. An alternative routing is being advised, shown in the...
