AquaClaireApr 1
I'm impressed by the March newsletter from the Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project, all the effort that so many volunteers & professionals are committing to river health & restoration, & exemplary communication:
https://www.rivercam.org.uk/2026/03/31/two-updates-from-the-greater-cambridge-chalk-stream-project/

#Cambridge #rivers #chalkstream #conservation #wilding
Two updates from the Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project – Cam Catchment Partnership

Show threadNicola CrockfordMar 12
What kept me going on up thro the silty lengths of Hoffer Brook was that exciting strands of River Water-Crowfoot (Ranunculus fluitans), queen of #chalkstream #macrophytes, began appearing despite silt. Suggested things were better further up this River Cam tributary. #rivers #wildflowerhour 16/23
Show threadNicola CrockfordMar 12
Likewise, good growth of that other #chalkstream stalwart, Fool's Watercress (Helosciadium nodiflorum) in Hoffer's Brook from A10 to railway. The silt made it a slog swimming up until the top end where the water speeded up revealing the clean gravels & chalk substrate. If only all like that! 15/23
Show threadNicola CrockfordMar 12
Is a river alive, asked @[email protected]. Yesterday Hoffer Brook, tributary of the Cam, seemed v alive, not least hosting these Brook Lampreys which have presumably performed such frantic breeding rituals in this #chalkstream for many millennia, long before we came & messed it up. 23/23
Nicola CrockfordMar 10
Sheer bliss, even on a grey day, to be in a #chalkstream for first time in >4 months & a thrill to spend my 1st ever quality time with big Graylings - what friendly fish! - in the River Nar upstream of Narborough. Thanks Alec Birkbeck & Fraser Bradbury for permission! #MySwim #Rivers #Norfolk 🧵1/9
Show threadAquaClaireMar 9
@numenini.bsky.social ... & the Greater Cambridge Chalkstream Project
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/greater-cambridge-chalk-stream-project
- talking of regenerative farming & evidence-based restoration, helped by volunteers & citizen science. Here's hoping!
#Cambridge #chalkstream #rivers
Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project

Chalk streams are rare and important ecosystems that face many threats. We formed the Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project to address these challenges.

Cambridge City Council
Show threadAquaClaireMar 9

@numenini.bsky.social Hi Nicola, thanks for documenting your explorations of these #chalkstream tributaries of the #RiverCam - glad to see some trout!
Seeking a map for context, I found these two helpful:
https://www.rivercam.org.uk/our-catchment/
https://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/pvl1//river/map_strategy.jpg

#rivers #Cambridgeshire

Our Catchment – Cam Catchment Partnership

Nicola CrockfordMar 8
Can't believe it's >4 months since last interacted with a #chalkstream! Today explored 3 parallel tributaries of the River Cam: TL is the lovely Hoffer Brook btw Harson & Foxton, rest are the rather pathetic Rhee, TR at Foxton & below at Fowlmere - little more than a ditch. #MyWalk #Rivers 🧵1/10
Show threadAquaClaireFeb 24

@thenorfolkcoast Terrific news, via update on that page: over 800 donors stepped up to fund purchase of Court House Meadows, a beautiful stretch of the River Meon, for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

#ChalkStream #rivers #Meon

Show threadMarc RotheraJul 4, 2025
Anyone interested in helping to preserve our #ChalkStream #Rivers then there is a lauch conference event at our #Cambridge campus on 16th July, you can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greater-cambridge-chalk-stream-project-gccsp-launch-conference-tickets-1407358650609
Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project (GCCSP) Launch Conference.

Join us at the GCCSP Launch Conference for a day of inspiring talks, innovative ideas, and a shared passion for preserving our chalk streams

Eventbrite