A rare chalk stream is getting a new lease of life thanks to a community-driven restoration project.
Gailey Brook in Kingsclere is the focus of a major ecological scheme to improve water quality, boost habitats, and involve residents in long-term conservation.
Around 150 residents gathered at The Fieldgate Centre on May 20 for the launch of Greener Kingsclere, a Southern Water-backed initiative supported by the Action for the River Kennet (ARK) Rivers Trust.
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Dr Kate Parks from the University of Southampton explained the global importance of chalk streams, noting that 85 per cent of the world’s 240 chalk streams are in England.
Gailey Brook, an example of this rare habitat, is under threat due to groundwater extraction and historic channel modifications.
Southern Water outlined its restoration plans at the meeting, including six river enhancement schemes targeting locations such as Harridens Farm, Island Mill, Brooklyn House, and Wells Head.
The work will remove concrete weirs, restore natural flows, and create gravel beds for fish spawning, with construction set to begin in autumn 2027.
Other plans include an innovative stream augmentation trial, where water will be pumped from the aquifer back into the stream during dry periods.
At least two trials are planned between 2027 and 2029.
Wildlife surveys have already identified the presence of protected species, including otters.
The project is also about empowering the community.
Greener Kingsclere will oversee citizen science, education, and hands-on conservation activities with funding secured for four years.
Councillor David Conquest said: "I'm so pleased that so many people gave up their evening to come to our public meeting.
"This is a wonderful example of how the village community can come together to care for something that is precious to everyone.
"We all want the stream to be at its best for the wildlife that needs it and because it is such an important feature of the village."
Southern Water is also encouraging residents to take part in home water-saving trials and broader water efficiency schemes.
Richard Gamble, principal catchment hydrogeology specialist at Southern Water, said the company is pleased to support Greener Kingsclere through its Chalk Stream Resilience Fund.
He said: "This ties in closely with our environmental improvement projects in Kingsclere, delivering a number of river enhancement schemes along the Kingsclere Brook to improve river habitat and ecological resilience."
The community programme for 2026 and 2027 will include a Great Litter Pick, River School workshops, eDNA testing, and Riverfly monitoring.
Residents are encouraged to get involved by contacting the Kingsclere Community Association.
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