Amersham and Chalfonts Together - September October 2021 Issue

COMMUNITY NEWS
£294,000 Green
Recovery grant
received to protect
chalk streams and
wetland habitats.
The grant will fund a suite of schemes
developed by the Chilterns Chalk Streams
Project, and will combine practical
restoration and enhancement with education
and engagement activity focused on chalk
streams and wetland habitats in the Chilterns.
Two jobs will be created, hosted by lead
partner The Chiltern Society. Other
organisations and voluntary groups, including
the local Wildlife Trust, Revive the Wye, Benson
Environment Group and the Chiltern Rangers
will also benefit from increased resilience and
capacity. By connecting nature and people, the
project aims to secure a healthy future for chalk
streams and for the people, communities and
businesses of both the Chilterns AONB and
nearby urban areas.
Chalk streams are some of the planet’s rarest
habitats, and 85% of them are found in
England. There are nine chalk streams in the
Chilterns, including the Chess, Misbourne,
Wye and Hughenden Stream. Chalkstreams
supports a wide diversity of plants and animals,
including fast-declining species such as the
water vole. The aquifer that supplies them
with clear, pure spring water also provides
drinking water for local communities.
Yet our chalk streams are under threat. The
Chilterns has one of the highest rates of
domestic water use in the country, which,
combined with the impacts of climate
change, are causing the streams to dry
out more frequently. In addition, pollution,
urban development and invasive, non-native
species are also threatening the health of
these streams. In terms of the urgent need
for protection, Defra government minister
Rebecca Pow has called chalk streams
England’s ‘rainforests’.
The River Chess at Marsh Field
This grant will be used to create essential
habitats for water voles and brown trout
on the river Chess, re-naturalise sections
of riverbank at Chesham Moor, and restore a
tributary of the River Wye at Wycombe Marsh,
among other projects. The Chess Valley
Walk will also be revitalised and education
projects for schools and the community will
be delivered.
Experienced, Friendly
& Professional Internal
& External Decorators.
We have been
working in & around
Beaconsfield,
Gerrards Cross,
Amersham &
surrounding areas
since 1993.
Please call to discuss
your requirements.
10% off
January ‘22 bookings
(labour only)
Call Nigel:
01494 681 794 or 07771 521 263
www.ngilliedecoratingservices.co.uk
24 Amersham & Chalfonts Together is part of Community Together