A Sparkling in the Chalk Stream with Ruth
From In Conservation... by The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants
May 1, 2026 · 46 min · Season 2 · Episode 3
About this episode
Ruth Hawksley discusses the beauty and conservation of chalk streams in the UK, particularly in Cambridgeshire, and the importance of community involvement in their protection.
Over 80% of the world's chalk streams are right here in the UK, and they are under increasing pressure, especially in Cambridgeshire. Water for Wildlife Officer Ruth Hawksley gives us the lowdown on makes a chalk stream so beautiful, why monitoring river flies can help give them the best chance of recovery, and what we're doing as a Trust to look after these special habitats. We hear from volunteers learning to be the eyes and ears for their local rivers, and why rivers need a whole host of people, projects and organisations to work together for their survival.
People in this episode
Guest: Ruth Hawksley
Topics covered
- chalk streams
- river conservation
- water monitoring
- volunteer involvement
- habitat protection
Keywords
- chalk streams
- river flies
- conservation
- Cambridgeshire
- water for wildlife
- habitat
- volunteers
Mentioned in this episode
Places: UK, Cambridgeshire
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