Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Improving the management of our most ecologically important rivers

The annual VCT Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum was initiated to provide a focal point for discussion and new ideas for the management of the wellsprings of some of Europe’s most ecologically important rivers.  The first Forum was hosted by the VCT in June 2007 and brought together key stakeholders with an interest in pursuing opportunities for improved management of the upper tributaries of the Test & Itchen.

2022 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2022 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Our first post-pandemic forum with research updates Vitacress Conservation Trust 2022 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 25 November The annual Vitacress Conservation Trust (VCT) Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum took place on 25 November at Sparsholt College, Winchester,...

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2018 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2018 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Managing and preserving Hampshire’s ecologically important chalk streams Vitacress Conservation Trust 2018 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 23 November The importance of managing and preserving Hampshire’s ecologically important chalk streams was discussed at the 12th...

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2017 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2017 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Progress on sponsored PhD research projects Vitacress Conservation Trust 2017 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 24 November We were delighted that Merrick Denton-Thompson kindly agreed to Chair our 2017 Forum. Our first guest speaker, David Sears (University of...

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2016 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2016 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Celebrating our 10th anniversary! Vitacress Conservation Trust 2016 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 25 November In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum, we were delighted to welcome our founding Patron, Lord Selborne, to Chair the...

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2015 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2015 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

The historical significance of chalk streams and their modern day management Vitacress Conservation Trust 2015 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 6 November The theme of this year’s forum was the historical significance of chalk streams and their modern-day management in...

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2014 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2014 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

The role of chalk streams for water life and migratory birds Vitacress Conservation Trust 2014 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 7 November This year we welcomed guest speakers Dr. Pete Shaw, Graham Rogers, Simon Tonkin, Ben Rushbrook and Peter Marren. Discussions...

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2013 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2013 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Providing practical solutions to problems faced by conservationists Vitacress Conservation Trust 2012 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 25 November This year we welcomed a  host of speakers to focus on the importance of providing practical solutions to the ongoing...

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2012 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2012 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Exploring the key influences on the health of chalk stream headwaters Vitacress Conservation Trust 2012 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 16 November The eminent speakers at this year’s forum provided updates on action and research called for last year and explored some...

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2011 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2011 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Discussing the successful large scale restoration techniques being implemented. Vitacress Conservation Trust 2011 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 28 November Following last year’s forum, where phosphorus pollution was a key area of discussion, this year’s eminent...

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2010 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2010 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Discussing phosphorus-based diffuse pollution on chalk streams and larger rivers Vitacress Conservation Trust 2010 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum - 29 November Following last year’s Forum, where phosphorus pollution was identified as the overwhelmingly important...

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2009 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2009 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Local and national experts unite in battle to clean up England’s Chalk Streams

The attendees at the Forum which included conservationists, scientists and academics, called for more robust research into the role of phosphorus in damaging the ecology of some of England’s most highly prized chalk streams and rivers.

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2008 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2008 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2nd Annual Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum Sets its Sights on National Attention Vitacress Conservation Trust and partners resolve to focus national attention on the plight of England’s globally significant chalk stream ecology. Tuesday, September 2 2008 – At the second...

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2007 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

2007 Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum

Hampshire Chalk Stream Headwaters Forum gains consensus on way forward Vitacress Conservation Trust and partners resolve to collaborate to protect and enhance Hampshire’s globally significant chalk stream ecosystems. Wednesday 13 June 2007 marked the first of what is...

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Further Initiatives…

Upper Itchen Initiative

Upper Itchen Initiative

Chaired by Graham Roberts, VCT Trustee and formerly of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the UII was formed with the objective of drawing together key interest groups to identify the failings of the Upper Itchen tributaries and to set about remedying the situation.

Bourne Rivulet Initiative

Bourne Rivulet Initiative

The BRI aims to identify shortcomings in the ecology of the Bourne, an important tributary of the River Test; facilitate targeted research to establish strategies to remedy them. The Initiative has been a great success, due in no small part to a highly motivated group of local riparian owners, dischargers, anglers, conservationists and representatives of the statutory bodies.