Chalk stream ecological health depends on three things:
Water quantity.
The naturalness of the flow regime.
Water quality.
How clean the water is.
Physical habitat quality.
The shape of the river, and biological factors like invasive species which can degrade habitat.
How can I help?
Tell others about how special our streams are.
Dispose of chemicals carefully in your sink (e.g. from washing the car). Pouring chemicals down any drains kills river wildlife.
Use waterbutts to capture rainwater for your garden rather than extracting water from the stream.
Check back on our website for more information and upcoming events!
Wildlife watchers
Notice the wildlife in your area and record your sightings on I-Record.
Join the "Blewbury School & Community" wildlife spotting group and visit our I-Record "Activity Page" so that we can all record the wildlife we spot while out for a walk in and around Blewbury.
Just set up an I-Record account, then go to "Activities" and find "Blewbury School & Community“
If you're not sure what it is you've spotted, upload a photo to a Blewbury Facebook or WhatsApp group, or go to I Spot Nature . Then add your wildlife sighting to I-Record once you know what it is.
Happy exploring!
Riparain landowner guidance
If you are a riparian owner follow the tips below to enhance your section of stream for wildlife.
If you would like to speak to the group for bespoke advice on how to further improve your stream please contact us to arrange a visit and informal chat.
Leave in-stream vegetation in place > it provides a home for friendly bugs and fish and is not a flood-risk.
Avoid removing bankside vegetation as the resulting soil erosion releases silt into the stream > this suffocates bugs and young fish.
Retain overhanging vegetation from the banks > this provides friendly bugs with places to hide and allows them to climb out to lay eggs.
Establish a marginal fringe > provides habitat for wildlife, prevents bank erosion and looks beautiful. Check out the Wessex Rivers Trust guide to find out how.
Avoid trees shading the stream > sunlight is needed for the in-stream plants to thrive. Existing trees can be pollarded or have some branches removed.
Narrow the channel to catch silt and speed up the flow of water > silt suffocates friendly bugs and fast-flowing water is better.
Avoid blocking the stream with sluice gates, barriers or water-wheels > brown trout and other fish cannot swim upriver to spawn.
Keep banks with a gentle slope (rather than steep or undercut) > so that wildlife can get in and out of the stream.
Planted coir berms can be used to create a gentler slope and narrow the channel > increasing flow, and providing habitat for wildlife.
Pre planted coir rolls can be purchased from Salix or Habitat Aid and chestnut stakes to fix them in from a local supplier, Keith Pepler. Other contractors are available!
Alternatively use faggots and stakes and then tie it all in. Much cheaper and if you have site-won materials (e.g. from removing over-shading tree branches) to use.
Find out how riparian owners are helping take care of Ewelme Brook and the wildlife who call it home.
