Maria Miller collaborated with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to host an event in parliament for MPs to discuss the ways by which chalk streams can get additional protections.
Maria said,
‘’It was a pleasure to host the Chalk Streams Event in Parliament. The UK is home to 85% of the world’s chalk streams, which play house a diverse range of plant and animal life, much of which is truly unique to Britain.
The River Loddon, which rises just outside of Basingstoke before flowing through our town, is one of the most exceptional examples of a chalk stream. In a recent meeting, the Environment Agency confirmed that the health of the river has greatly improved over the past decade, as evidenced by the abundant plant and animal life. However, there is always more to do, and we must continue to hold water companies to account to ensure standards only improve.
New legislation brought forward by the Government through the Environment Act will bring down chemical and phosphate consent levels in rivers across the country. The Loddon is due to have the lowest possible levels, reflecting its status as a rare chalk stream and also the delicate nature of the ecosystems that it hosts.
This event provided a brilliant opportunity to bring together wildlife organisations and MPs to discuss what further actions can be taken to protect our chalk streams. The upcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategy, being orchestrated by Hampshire County Council provides one such opportunity, as does Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s new local plan. I will be working hard to ensure the River Loddon is front and centre in both cases.’’
