Miles of chalk stream habitat in and around the Test in Hampshire has been improved – with more to come - in one of the UK’s most substantial river restoration schemes.

Southern Water’s partner Wessex Rivers Trust is halfway through delivering the 10-year FReSH (Flow Resilient Sustainable Habitat) Water Programme.

The programme is focused on restoring vulnerable stretches of Hampshire’s globally-rare chalk streams to boost resilience to drought, climate change and poor water quality.

Funded by Southern Water and delivered with local landowners, the £10 million project has already restored more than 20 sites across the Test, Dever, Dun, Bourne Rivulet and Meon. To mark the milestone, the Trust has shared a video showing the project's progress.

Other environmental projects and partnerships

World-famous and extraordinarily biodiverse, the chalk streams rely on steady, aquifer-fed flows of clear water - but they face an escalating water crisis. Rising demand from a growing population, combined with more extreme weather, is placing unprecedented pressure on these fragile ecosystems. Some chalk streams ran completely dry during the 2019 drought, sounding the alarm across the region.

To help address this growing pressure, the water company is developing several new sources of water, including the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project, which would be able to provide an extra 90 million litres of water a day during a drought.

However, in the meantime, Southern Water says it may need to apply for temporary drought permits to take water from rivers during dry periods. Under this legal framework, we must protect other chalk streams by improving habitats and river function. The utility is delivering that work in collaboration with Wessex Rivers Trust and other partners.

More than 20 sites chosen for ecological need and long-term benefit have now been restored, spanning several kilometres of chalk stream habitat. Works include improving fish passage and spawning habitat, enhancing wetland plant communities, diversifying channel flows, and supporting key species.

The Trust explains that individual projects are beginning to work together at catchment scale, an encouraging sign that long-term resilience is building as intended.

Southern Water said that with its continued funding, and the potential for increased investment, the next phase will expand delivery, maintain rigorous ecological monitoring, and embed benefits to help Hampshire’s rivers withstand future drought and climate pressures.

Dave Rumble, Chief Executive of Wessex Rivers Trust, said:

“Hampshire’s chalk streams are among the most precious freshwater habitats on the planet. The FReSH Programme represents a rare chance to deliver meaningful, landscape-scale improvements that will benefit these rivers for generations. The progress showcased in this new video reflects not only the dedication of our team and partners - especially the landowners whose collaboration makes each site possible - but also the power of long-term investment in nature.”

Nick Mills, Southern Water’s Director of Environment and Innovation, commented:

“The impact of the work Wessex Rivers Trust has carried out under the FReSH programme is remarkable – and it’s only halfway through. We are delighted to be collaborating on and investing in such a valuable project, which will help protect these precious chalk streams for years to come. We look forward to seeing the ongoing benefits over the next five years.”