Find out the latest developments affecting the Rivers Test, Itchen and Meon, and what you can do to help us protect our precious chalk streams and the wildlife that depends on this rare, freshwater habitat.
Two Association Members and local residents in Droxford, helped by the Test and Itchen Association, Fish Legal and Activist Anglers, are campaigning to stop 4×4 off-roaders and motorcyclists using a stretch of the River Meon for recreational driving, causing environmental destruction of chalk stream habitat.
Hampshire County Council assert that a 200m stretch of the River Meon near Droxford used by the 4x4s and trail riders is actually a designated highway. Despite overwhelming photographic, video, and expert evidence demonstrating ongoing harm to the riverbed, banks, and protected habitats caused by off-road vehicle use, the responsible authorities including Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Highways, and the South DownsNational Park Authority have yet to act to stop this damage.
We’re asking Hampshire County Council to put in place a Traffic Regulation Order banning vehicles from using it for recreation.
There was a big turnout for the protest at Droxford on 31st January and got widespread coverage in national and local media. Here are some pictures from the day.
News and updates on river health, policy changes and community events.
Campaign News – from local efforts to protect our chalk streams or endangered wild Atlantic salmon to news about national campaigns you can get involved with
How you can help, with calls to action, events and opportunities to get involved in protecting these rare and precious ecosystems.
Our chalk streams are among the world’s most unique freshwater habitats — but they face significant threats from pollution, unsustainable water use and environmental change. We aim to safeguard these rivers and their flora and fauna for future generations.
If you would like to support our work to conserve the Test, Itchen and Meon rivers and protect chalk stream salmon, then please help us by joining our association.
