The Great Stour in East Kent, is one of only 200 chalk streams globally. With the majority of chalk streams in the South East of England.
It represents a unique and biodiverse ecosystem originating from greensand aquifers (underground layers of rock that hold water) and flows across chalk, with its stable flows and temperatures supporting rare species and providing essential services for the environment. However, the river faces threats like pollution, over-abstraction, habitat loss, and climate change. This means urgent conservation efforts are needed to ensure its survival and preserve its ecological benefits.
We are a drinking water only company and an active stakeholder supporting the Kentish Stour Catchment Improvement Partnership, working with partners across the catchment area to support the protection of the Great Stour. Our future plans build on this commitment to protect this precious chalkstream through our Flagship Chalk Stream Strategy and Roadmap to recovery.
This roadmap will form the blueprint for a holistic approach to sustaining ecological health and biodiversity across the whole catchment.
During the next five years, we will work with a variety of stakeholders including farmers, landowners and environmental specialists to address the key challenges the stour faces, through six work strands:
- Resilience to drought and flood management
- River and habitat restoration
- Sustainably managing water resources for public value and recreation
- Creating natural carbon sinks
- Raising awareness through education
- Working with other sectors such as developers and highways.
Protecting water quality and quantity at the source as a part of this process means we will also support protection of the wider environment and reduce the need for more costly, complex and carbon-intensive treatment methods to turn water from the environment into fresh, clean drinking water.
“A holistic and collaborative approach is essential to address the multiple pressures on water resources.
Our Groundwater Manager, Debbie Wilkinson, said: “We are committed to protecting this rare and precious chalk stream, ensuring it continues to support wildlife and supply high-quality drinking water.
“The river depends on groundwater for its base flow; the underground aquifer not only sustains the river flow, but also provides vital drinking water to communities in East Kent. However, changes to the Great Stour over the years, such as widening, rerouting, and the addition of weirs, have disrupted its natural flow, impacting wildlife habitats and fish migration.
“A holistic and collaborative approach is essential to address the multiple pressures on water resources. These pressures include modifications to the river, increased water demand from a growing population, tourism, irrigation, and industry, all while simultaneously ensuring that sufficient water remains in the environment for healthy habitats and wildlife to flourish.
Key actions include:
- Sustainable land management
Partnering with landowners to reduce soil erosion and prevent sediment, nutrients and chemicals from entering the aquifer, safeguarding both river health and drinking water supplies.
- Restoring natural flows
Removing or modifying artificial structures to improve water movement and reconnect habitats for fish and other aquatic species.
- Balancing water supply with environmental sustainability
Ensuring the long-term protection of groundwater resources while maintaining a thriving river ecosystem.
For more information please visit: Southeastwater.co.uk/protectingourrivers
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