THE DOCUMENTARY
Custodians of the Chalk
The people fighting for England’s chalk rivers
Custodians of the Chalk will capture the beauty of our chalk rivers, the challenges they face and, above all, the people dedicating their time, knowledge and passion to conserving, improving, protecting and restoring them.
THE APPROACH
In their own words
Through interviews, the documentary will introduce the people working to protect and restore England’s chalk rivers – including river restoration specialists, fisheries scientists, ecologists, riverkeepers, landowners, conservation organisations, environmental regulators, water companies, anglers and community volunteers.
They will share their experiences, challenges, achievements and hopes for the future – revealing not only what is being done, but the knowledge, commitment and collaboration behind it.
IN PRODUCTION
Filming across Hampshire
Interviews are taking place from July to October 2026, bringing together voices from across the chalk river community. Seasonal filming will continue through to summer 2027, capturing the changing character of the rivers and the progress of restoration projects.
PLANNED PREMIERE
December
2027
REACHING A WIDER AUDIENCE
Taking the story beyond the river
The aim is to reach audiences well beyond the angling and conservation communities, helping more people appreciate these extraordinary rivers and understand why their protection is so important.
01
Film festivals
05
Community events
02
Online platforms
06
Angling and conservation groups
03
Schools and educational institutions
07
Social media
04
Environmental organisations
08
thechalkriverproject.com
FIND OUT MORE OR GET INVOLVED
The project is still developing
If you would like to know more, suggest a person or project we should speak to, or discuss becoming involved, we would be pleased to hear from you.