Wiltshire MP backs Bill calling for Chalk Streams to be protected
If passed, the Bill would see UK Chalk Streams become UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites
A Wiltshire MP is backing calls for chalk streams in the UK to be recognised as UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites.
Brian Mathew, for Melksham and Devizes has thrown his support behind a bill brought to Parliament by South Cambridgeshire MP, Pippa Heylings.
Her bill is due for its Second reading on 17th April.
Wiltshire is home to several chalk streams, including the River Avon, as well as the Nadder, Ebble, Wylye and Bourne, which all flow through much of Salisbury. The majority of the world's chalk streams are found in the UK.
Dr Mathew describes them as "unique ecosystems" and says we are lucky to have them in our county, including in his Melksham and Devizes constituency.
He warns that the habitats are suffering from several issues, including pollution and over-abstraction, which means the streams run dry in the summer.
The clear waters of chalk stream often provide a home for wildlife such as brown trout, Atlantic salmon, water voles and kingfishers, as well as plants like water-crowfoot and water-starwort.
Dr Mathew said: "Protecting the UK's waterways is essential to preserving our natural environment."