Geology, Designations and More
Chalk rivers are fed from groundwater aquifers, which produces clear flowing rivers with a stable temperature. These conditions make chalk rivers suitable for a diverse range of wildlife, including insects, fish and mammals. Chalk rivers are usually dominated by water crowfoot plants, as well as starworts, water cress and water parsnip. Some chalk rivers, such as the River Itchen and the River Test are protected under national or European conservation law, because they provide important examples of chalk river habitats. Chalk rivers are important for game and coarse fisheries, which has a big influence on how they are managed. In the 17th and 18th centuries, farmers irrigated fields with water from chalk rivers to encourage better grass growth, creating water meadows.
Find out more about:
Geology
Designations
Chalk River Plants
Chalk River Invertebrates
Chalk River Fish
Chalk River Mammals
Chalk River Birds
Water Meadows
Fisheries
