Celebrating the launch of our new River Chess Chalk Streams Catchment Plan

We’re delighted to announce the publication of the new River Chess Catchment Plan,

a collaborative effort that brings together the knowledge, passion, and expertise of a wide range of partners dedicated to protecting this precious freshwater habitat. 

Chalk streams are often called the “rainforests of the UK” globally rare ecosystems that support an incredible diversity of wildlife, provide clean water, and enrich the landscapes and communities that surround them. Yet, they face growing pressures from pollution, climate change, abstraction, and development, the Chess is not unique in this. Our new Catchment Plan sets out a shared vision, our current understanding of the pressures and impacts on the river, and a number of practical projects to restore and protect the unique environment and features of the River Chess Catchment. 

This achievement was only possible thanks to the commitment and cooperation of our many partners from local authorities, water companies, regulators and environmental NGOs to landowners, anglers, farmers, and community volunteers. Each has played a vital role in shaping a plan that reflects both local priorities and wider environmental goals. The document has been drafted by AtkinsRéalis on behalf of Thames Water and draws upon the work carried out by the River Chess Partnership.

Catchment plans like this one are powerful tools for bringing people together. They provide: 

• A shared framework for managing land and water sustainably; 

• Evidence-based actions to tackle key challenges such as water quality, habitat loss, and flood resilience; 

• Opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that everyone who depends on or cares for the river can have a voice in its future. 

We invite everyone whether you live, work, or simply find joy beside chalk streams to explore the new River Chess Chalk Streams Catchment Plan and discover how you can get involved. Together, we can ensure our chalk streams continue to flow clear and full of life. 

Thank you once again to all who contributed to this milestone for our beloved Chess and its many communities. 

Read the full plan here: River Chess Restoration Plan_v3.3-compressed

Contact: stephhorn@chilterns.org.uk if you have questions