The Chalk River Project is an independent documentary film that tells the story of one of Britain’s rarest and most remarkable natural environments—our internationally important chalk rivers. Found in only a handful of places worldwide, these crystal-clear rivers support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife and have shaped the landscapes and communities of southern England for centuries.
The documentary explores both the beauty of these unique ecosystems and the growing challenges they face. These include climate change, water abstraction, pollution, habitat degradation, invasive species and the legacy of centuries of river modification.
Through cinematic storytelling and in-depth interviews, we aim to explain why these rivers matter and, importantly, highlight the inspiring work being undertaken to restore and protect them.
Rather than focusing solely on the problems, the film is intended to be a positive and hopeful story. It will showcase practical conservation, innovative river restoration and the dedication of the people working to secure the future of these internationally important habitats.
The documentary will feature a wide range of contributors, including river restoration specialists, fisheries scientists, ecologists, river keepers, landowners, conservation organisations, environmental regulators, water companies, anglers and community volunteers. By bringing together these different perspectives, we hope to tell a balanced and engaging story that appeals to a wider audience, not just those already involved in conservation.
Filming is taking place across a number of chalk rivers in Hampshire and follows real restoration projects as they happen, capturing every season and documenting both the challenges and successes of improving river habitats.
The project is being developed as an independent production and we are currently seeking partnerships with organisations whose values align with environmental conservation, sustainability and public education. We are in discussion with a number of organisations involved in river restoration and conservation, and we hope to continue expanding this network as the project develops.
Sponsors and partners will receive appropriate recognition through the documentary, project website and associated promotional activities. However, maintaining the editorial independence and scientific credibility of the film is fundamental, and sponsorship will not influence its content.
Alongside the documentary, The Chalk River Project will provide an online platform showcasing restoration projects, educational resources, conservation news and opportunities for individuals, businesses and organisations to become involved in protecting our chalk rivers.
Our ambition is to produce a film that reaches audiences well beyond the angling and conservation communities, inspiring people to appreciate these extraordinary rivers and understand why their protection is so important.
The Chalk River Project is currently supported by The Piscatorial Society, Southern Water and my own personal investment. With the encouragement and support of The Piscatorial Society, I will continue to develop the project in my spare time. My ambition is that, following my retirement from the Society in 2028, I will be able to devote myself full-time to growing The Chalk River Project into a lasting legacy that celebrates, promotes and supports the conservation of Britain’s internationally important chalk rivers.
The completed documentary will be promoted through:
- Film festivals
- YouTube and online streaming platforms
- Environmental organisations
- Educational institutions
- Community events
- Angling and conservation groups
- Social media campaigns
- The Chalk River Project website
The project is designed to have a life beyond the documentary itself, creating a lasting educational resource and a platform that continues to showcase chalk river conservation work long after filming is complete.
We are currently scheduling interviews for the period July to October 2026. This will form the core of the documentary, bringing together leading voices from across the chalk river community. Seasonal filming will then continue through to summer 2027, capturing the changing character of the rivers and the progress of restoration projects over the course of a full year.
Our aim is to premiere The Chalk River Project in December 2027, following more than a year of filming across the seasons. By documenting the rivers through changing conditions and capturing the stories of those working to protect them, we hope to produce a lasting documentary that educates, inspires and encourages greater public support for chalk river conservation.