Some of the world’s rarest rivers
flow quietly through the English countryside

Meet the people working together to protect them

THE CHALK RIVER PROJECT

The people connected to England’s chalk rivers

The Chalk River Project brings together the people who protect, restore, study, work beside, photograph and interpret these rivers – sharing their knowledge, experiences and different perspectives.

85% of the world’s chalk streams are found in England.

Chalk Rivers

What makes a chalk river different?

Fed by groundwater filtered through chalk, these rivers are known for their clear, cool water and wide variety of plant and animal life. They are found in very few places worldwide – and England is home to most of them.

THE DOCUMENTARY

Custodians of the Chalk

Custodians of the Chalk is a documentary film currently being made in Hampshire.

Their knowledge, experiences and perspectives will bring the story of these rivers to a wider audience.

Filmed across the seasons, the documentary is planned to premiere in December 2027.

The People

Every chalk river
has a community
around it

Chalk rivers are shaped not only by those working to protect them, but by everyone who lives, works, creates and spends time beside them. The project brings these different relationships into the story.

Riverkeepers · Farmers · Scientists · Landowners
Conservationists · Artists · Photographers · Anglers
Local businesses · Students

News & Articles

Restoring Chalk Rivers: The Importance of Sediment, Science and Communication

Chalk river restoration is rarely straightforward. From sediment movement and fish habitat to historic structures and timing, this article looks at some of the factors that need to be understood before changes are made to a river.