VOLUNTEERS are being given the chance to improve some of the world’s rarest river habitats – chalk streams.

During Loddon Rivers Week, which runs from Monday, September 26 to Sunday, October 2, there will be plenty of activities designed to give residents the chance not only to learn about the challenges the streams face, but to take positive action to improve rivers and help wildlife thrive.

Running since 2017, the annual focus week on the Loddon and its tributaries is co-ordinated by the South East Rivers Trust (SERT) and funded by the Environment Agency.

The River Loddon rises in Basingstoke and stretches across Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, running into the Thames just west of Wargrave.

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Like most rivers in southern England, the Loddon faces many challenges, such as pollution, invasive species and poor habitat quality and connectivity. 

Adding gravel to chalk streams at Bassetts Mead Local Nature Reserve, near Hook, is just one of several opportunities to improve rivers for wildlife during the annual campaign.

Other opportunities for hands-on conservation work include two days adding various types of woody materials to the River Blackwater, a tributary of the Loddon, at Ivy Road Rec, Aldershot. Continuing work begun by the South East Rivers Trust earlier this year, this will narrow the river channel and vary the flow of the water, restoring the river to function more naturally and allowing a greater diversity of wildlife to thrive.

Events stretch from Farnham and Basingstoke to Reading and include walks and talks as well as fish surveys.

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Lou Sykes, Loddon Catchment Officer for SERT, said: “Often, restoring rivers is left to the experts. Loddon Rivers Week is a fantastic opportunity to flip the switch and experience the thrills of getting stuck in to conservation work and leaving with that wonderful feeling they have made a fantastic difference to the natural world.”

Volunteers will need to book for all events. Sign up at southeastriverstrust.org/events except where listed.