‘Rare and precious’: Lincolnshire’s hidden waterways get a 10-year makeover
They are more rare than rainforests and just as precious – Lincolnshire’s chalk streams are getting a fresh 10-year plan to discover, restore, and enhance these unique waterways.
Fed by pure groundwater filtered through natural chalk aquifers, chalk streams are one of the rarest habitats on Earth, supporting a huge variety of wildlife.
Here in Lincolnshire, we’re lucky to have around 11% of England’s chalk streams — roughly 140 miles winding across the Wolds and flowing out to the coast. That’s a natural treasure on our doorstep.
The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, a partnership of 14 organisations, has been protecting these waterways since 2003.
Over 20 years, it has invested more than £4.5m, restoring nearly 19 miles (30km) of streams and surrounding land, helping wildlife thrive while benefiting local communities.
Now, the project is launching a new strategic vision to ensure Lincolnshire’s streams stay healthy, vibrant, and resilient for years to come.
The plan focuses on three key goals:
- Discover: Work with landowners, farmers, communities, and local businesses to raise awareness and encourage active conservation.
- Restore: Help ecosystems recover and thrive, creating healthier habitats for wildlife — and people!
- Enhance: Boost biodiversity, strengthen community stewardship, and secure lasting benefits for both nature and local communities.
There are plenty of ways the public can get involved, from educational projects to hands-on conservation work. Everyone can play a part in protecting these rare and fragile waterways.
Learn more and get involved: www.lincolnshirechalkstreams.org