Call to protect Wiltshire's chalk streams with UNESCO status
MPs and wildlife advocates urge for greater protection
Two Wiltshire MPs are backing calls for rare chalk streams in Wiltshire to be given UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Liberal Democrat's Sarah Gibson and Brian Mathew, have thrown their weight behind a campaign aimed at nominating the rare streams for extra protection.
Approximately 200 chalk streams are known to exist worldwide, many of which are in Wiltshire, including Calne's River Marden.
These streams are recognised for supporting a higher number of plant species than any other English river type and providing vital habitats for threatened wildlife, including Atlantic salmon, water voles, brown trout, southern damselflies, and white-clawed crayfish. The River Marden runs through the constituencies of both MPs.
The MPs have voiced their support by endorsing the Chalk Streams (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) Bill initiated by the Liberal Democrats, signing a letter urging the Government to start the nomination process for World Heritage status, and backing a parliamentary motion initiated by Sarah Gibson MP.
This motion seeks Government action to pursue UNESCO designation and reinforces planning protections for chalk streams, including the River Marden.
Advocating for greater protections
After introducing the motion, Ms Gibson stated, “Wiltshire's chalk streams are among the rarest habitats on Earth and a true natural treasure. These rivers are as rare and important as the Great Barrier Reef, but instead of being protected, they are drying up while being polluted and ignored. That cannot be allowed to continue.
“I’m calling on the Government to recognize chalk streams as a jewel in the crown of our natural heritage by nominating them as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, giving them the status and protection they deserve for future generations.
“Alongside UNESCO designation, the Government must act now to strengthen planning protections for chalk streams and ensure that fines from polluting water companies are reinvested directly into restoring these irreplaceable rivers.”
Brian Matthews MP also commented, saying, “Wiltshire’s chalk streams are among the most unique and fragile habitats on Earth, yet they are under increasing pressure from pollution, over-abstraction, and unsustainable development. That cannot continue.
“These rivers are vital for wildlife, shape our landscapes, and sit at the heart of local communities. Protecting them must be a priority, not an afterthought.
“We must act now to protect them for future generations by nominating them as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.”
Support from wildlife trusts
Carrie Starbuck, Director of Nature Recovery for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, echoed their sentiments: “Wiltshire Wildlife Trust strongly supports greater protection for our chalk streams, including recognition through UNESCO World Heritage status. These are globally rare habitats, found almost nowhere else on Earth, and yet they remain under increasing pressure from pollution, over-abstraction, and climate change.
“Here in Wiltshire, rivers like the Wylye are not just beautiful landscapes, but living systems that support wildlife, farming, and communities. Through our work with partners and farmers across the catchment, we see both the fragility of these systems and the huge opportunity to restore them.
“Securing UNESCO status would be a powerful step forward, giving chalk streams the recognition, protection, and long-term commitment they urgently need. We fully support the Save Our Chalk Streams campaign and urge Government to back this ambition, so these extraordinary rivers can recover and thrive for generations to come."