𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

An MP will launch a bid to get the UK’s rare and threatened chalk streams UNESCO World Heritage status

Liberal Democrat Pippa Heylings plans to introduce a 10 minute rule bill on Wednesday to urge the Government to apply for the protection which would lead to new legal powers to save them.

The designation, which would need to be approved by a World Heritage committee, is for places that are of “outstanding universal value to humanity”.

She warned that these “jewels of our natural heritage” are on the brink of ecological collapse.

The MP added: “Chalk streams are a uniquely British joy – timeless jewels of our natural heritage which have brought life to our countryside for generations.

“We are the custodians of 85% of these global treasures, yet we are allowing them to be treated as open sewers by water firms more interested in profit than people and planet..

“My Bill ensures we finally give chalk streams the same reverence and protections that we give to our greatest cathedrals or monuments – our streams and rivers are just as much a part of our national identity.”

Chalk streams are fed from underground water and rise through chalk bedrock. This filter process means the water is clear, pure, and nutrient-rich.

England is home to roughly 85% of the world’s 200 known chalk streams.

But the delicate ecosystems are at risk because of water pollution and over-abstraction.

Ms Heylings hopes the Chalk Streams (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) Bill will formally recognise the rivers for their international significance.