Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority approve £420,000 for chalk stream projects

A grant of £420,000 for projects to protect and enhance rare chalk stream habitats has been approved by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Cambridge City Council will manage the projects, which will be informed by the Greater Cambridge Chalk Streams Audit report.

The report was commissioned in 2020 and identified potential projects ranging from those ready to be delivered through to long-term ambitions.

The programme will have a particular focus on restoring river channels to a more natural shape and size. If this is done well, the flow rate will be increased enough to keep the gravel clean and the streams will behave more naturally, increasing biodiversity and requiring less maintenance.

The projects will also provide opportunities for combining specific elements of funding with the grant programmes of other partners, including water companies, Nature England and the Environment Agency.

Cambridge City Council leader and Combined Authority deputy mayor Cllr Anna Smith, who is currently acting in place of the mayor, said: “Improving and conserving our cherished and world-renowned chalk streams is essential and contributes to the Combined Authority’s commitment to the environment and supporting community wellbeing.

“Addressing these long-term issues is essential, but in the shorter term, there is a wealth of activity that can be done through projects such as this, to mitigate the biodiversity and climate crisis in our region.”