Winchester MP to become a Rivers on the Edge Parliamentary Champion following a meeting with local WWF on Itchen.
Steve originally met with the group back in April, at the launch of the Riverside Tales report, to discuss the serious threat our chalk streams face. Many have been below usual levels, and the need to reduce water demand and conserve rivers has never been stronger.
Steve will now link up with Oliver Heald MP (Hertfordshire North East) and Claire Perry MP (Devizes) to champion chalk streams nationally with the WWF.
Steve said: “The WWF reminded me that there are only a handful of top draw chalk streams in the world and one of the best among them is right here with the River Itchen. We are so lucky to have this precious resource and must do everything in our power to protect it for future generations.”
The River Itchen is known as one of the most iconic chalk streams in the world, but man-made pressures are taking their toll, as the river supplies half a million people across Winchester, Southampton and Eastleigh, all of whom live on its banks.
Steve added: “Issues of sustainability and water use, especially as we build more and more homes, are very real and that is why these invaluable chalk streams need champions on a national level.”
Pictured; Steve joins Rose Timlett, WWF freshwater policy officer, on the banks of the iconic River Itchen.
More information ...
You can find more information at www.wwf.org.uk/riversontheedge and you can view a PDF of the Riverside Tales report by clicking the 'Download ...' link below.