2023-24 Tales from an East Anglian Riverbank - Portfolio - Page 14
Around 200 chalk
streams exist globally,
with 85% in southern
and eastern England.
These streams, oven
referred to as
"England's
rainforests", are vital
ecosystems, that
support diverse
wildlife with pure,
clear water from
underground chalk
aquifers.
PROTECTING AND ENHANCING EAST ANGLIA’S CHALK STREAMS
Our vision
East Anglia's chalk
streams have
su昀케cient now,
water quality, and
habitat to support
thriving, resilient
ecosystems,
adaptable to
growth and climate
change.
Collabora}on for Chalk Stream Restora}on
Partnership and collabora}on are key to restoring
chalk streams. We work with diverse stakeholders,
using various tools and incen}ves to address
challenges.
As part of the Na}onal Programme of Flagship Chalk
Catchments, key river catchments - the Granta, Lark,
and S}oey - have been nominated for restora}on
projects. These e昀昀orts, led by the water companies
and supported by the EA, involve close collabora}on
with catchment partners.
In Cambridge, we’re engaging with Cambridge City
Council on the Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream
Project to understand, restore, and protect local
chalk streams. We provide support, exper}se, and
advice on a wide range of projects aligning with the
city’s growth plans.
East Anglia is home to
approximately 118 of
these streams. Over
the past year, our
team has developed a
catchment scale
framework to protect
and enhance them,
assessing their status
and challenges. In the
coming year, we will
re昀椀ne priori}es, set
clear commitments,
and implement
catchment ac}ons
through collabora}ve
partnerships.
Last year, we partnered with the Broadland
Agricultural Water Abstractors Group (BAWAG) to cofund a Water Resource Management Plan. Ini}a}ves
like these helps agricultural abstractors in sensi}ve
chalk catchments adapt to a future with reduced
water availability while ensuring sustainable supplies
for both farming and the environment.
These collabora}ons strengthen catchment
partnerships, integra}ng water resource
management into broader catchment planning and
expanding the impact of restora}on e昀昀orts across
other chalk catchments in the country.
Chalk gravels
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