Protecting Chalk Streams
Independent Councillors working to protect the River Test and Loddon through legally binding commitments.
Focus
Our chalk streams – the River Test and Loddon – are vital parts of our natural heritage. They’re under threat from pollution, and we’re working to protect them and secure legal rights that hold water companies and government to account. Independent councillors are leading this work locally and nationally.
What’s next
- Finalising legally binding commitments for chalk stream protection
- Challenging polluters through legal mechanisms
- Continuing to lead this work locally and nationally
- Keeping an eye on water quality and pollution incidents
- Working with partners to improve river condition
How to get involved
- Report pollution incidents or water quality concerns
- Join local river protection groups
- Support legal action to protect chalk streams
- Sign up for environment and water quality updates
Updates
Chalk streams: stronger protection for the Test and Loddon
Chalk streams like the River Test and the River Loddon are globally rare – and they’re under real pressure from pollution, over-abstraction and development.
Earlier this year, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council backed a “Rights of Rivers” motion (led by an Independent councillor) to give these rivers much more weight in local decision‑making. The next step is practical: work with residents and partners to produce a local Declaration on the Rights of the River by spring 2026, and then use those principles to shape planning and policy (including the Local Plan).
Read more →Chalk streams: Basingstoke & Deane backs Rights of Rivers
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council has backed a “Rights of Rivers” motion to strengthen protection for our locally important chalk streams – including the River Loddon and the River Test.
It’s a commitment to treat rivers as living ecosystems that deserve a stronger voice in decisions – especially when it comes to planning and development, and how we tackle pollution and over-abstraction.
The motion also commits the council to work with residents and partners to develop a local Declaration on the Rights of the River by spring 2026.
Read more →