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River Itchen © Linda Pitkin/2020VISION
Watercress and Winterbournes
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The Rivers Test and Itchen are iconic features of the Hampshire landscape, but the chalk streams that give them life are some of the greatest hidden treasures in the county. With only around 200 existing worldwide, these cool, oxygenated, alkaline waters provide a uniquely perfect habitat for species like water vole, brown trout, southern damselfly, water crowfoot, and white-clawed crayfish.
Our streams also have another story to tell: that of a landscape shaped by centuries of human activity. Adjacent fields are marked with patterns from old water meadows, while mysterious riverside structures speak of trades ranging from gin distilling to paper production. Today many of these historic industries continue, with our area being famous for watercress growing and fly fishing.
With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Watercress and Winterbournes is telling the story of this vibrant past and building a bright future. This five-year Landscape Partnership Scheme brings together local communities and 16 organisations to restore and celebrate the Bourne Rivulet, Candover Brook, Cheriton Stream, Pillhill Brook, River Arle, Upper Anton, and Upper Test.
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Chalk stream
Upcoming events
Recorded talks
News and blogs
Volunteers help distillery to win international conservation award
Bombay Sapphire Distillery has received an award for its conservation work, including monitoring performed by volunteers from the…
How to Write a Chalk Stream Poem
Looking for a fun activity this summer? Get inspired by the wild world of our beautiful local chalk streams!
SmartRivers Results for Spring 2023
As our volunteers continue to monitor the Test and Itchen headwaters, the latest SmartRivers results reveal water quality concerns.
Reading Rivers: 'River Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland' by Lisa Schneidau
This month, we've been reading 'River Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland' by Lisa Schneidau - an absorbing dive into our…
Reading Rivers: 'Elegy for a River' by Tom Moorhouse
This month, we've been reading 'Elegy for a River' by Tom Moorhouse - a heartfelt book about the joys and challenges of…
Celebrating Alresford's Chalk Stream
In Alresford, the civic society is helping visitors to understand the history and ecology of the River Arle.
Sewage pollution in our precious waterways
Trust statement on recent sewage pollution incidents
Reading Rivers: 'The Pull of the River' by Matt Gaw
This month, we've been reading 'The Pull of the River' by Matt Gaw - an earnest book about the joy of discovering nature…
Tales from the Riverbank: Sally's Ambling Path
For curious young minds, nature is the ultimate adventure. Sally Broom gives us a window into her family's river rambles.