The Little Stour, the Nailbourne, and the Wingham River are
chalk streams in the catchment of the Kentish Stour.

England is home to 85% of the world’s chalk rivers, a
globally rare natural resource which support a diverse array
of plant and animal life. Bubbling up from chalk springs fed
by underground aquifers, chalk streams are renowned for
their steady flows of crystal-clear water, gravel beds, and
relatively stable temperatures, making them biodiversity
hotspots for wildlife and nature lovers to enjoy.

However, the Little Stour, the Nailbourne, and the
Wingham River are under threat. These important chalk
streams should provide excellent habitats for wildlife like
brown trout, but they are being degraded by pollution and
by centuries of human modification. Locals lament that
their beautiful river “is now being used as a transport ditch
for treated effluent” (Martin Smith, Wingham).

The Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership is working with
volunteers, landowners, and other partners to improve these
important chalk streams and conserve them into the future.
Visit kentishstour.org.uk to learn more about the work we are
doing to improve our local rivers, or email stour@kent.gov.uk
to get involved.

To read more about the challenges facing the Little Stour, the Nailbourne and the Wingham River, download a pdf of our Chalk Streams Under Pressure leaflet.