Earlier this month, I spoke in the House of Commons at the third reading of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, regarding the importance of chalk streams and the need to ensure they are better protected.
Chalk streams are globally rare, with 85% of them located in England, many of which are right here in South West Norfolk.
Since becoming MP, I have met with several charities such as Little Ouse Headwaters Project and the Norfolk Rivers Trust, who, alongside landowners, are working to restore and protect chalk streams. I commend their teams of dedicated volunteers and trustees, who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations.
Not only are chalk streams precious resources, but due to their rare nature, they are also a large driver of tourism which is fundamental to rural economies like ours.
We must do more to protect and restore these irreplaceable environments. I called on the government to put the protection of chalk streams on a permanent footing to leave a legacy of environmental protection of a globally rare resource, and to recognise the importance of chalk streams to our local economies and growth.
