For the first time in over 140 years, a massive 2,500 square metre wetland site has been established alongside the Hamble Brook in Buckinghamshire.

This ground-breaking wetland is part of the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project and represents 16 per cent of the stream, making it the largest scheme of its kind that the Environment Agency has been involved in.

This initiative, which witnessed the renovation of over 1km of the Hamble Brook, has not only formed this colossal new wetland but also re-established the stream's natural wiggles and backwaters, removed embankments, and planted trees to aid with temperature regulation.

Efforts like these have helped to restore the stream's inherent character and align it more closely with its environment.

They have also created a refuge for threatened native plants, insects, fish, and mammals.

The project has been made possible through collaboration, with three local landowners, support from the National Trust, and funding from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund overseen by the Environment Agency.

Adrian Porter, Rivers Officer at the Chilterns National Landscape, and Pippa Tucker, Catchment Coordinator at the Environment Agency, visited the site to observe its progression.

Elaine King, Chief Executive Officer of the Chilterns National Landscape, was also present.

Reflecting on the project, Adrian said: "Working with the natural undulations of the landscape, we created lowered areas which will be wetter for longer, providing a valuable habitat for plants, birds, insects, and small mammals."

Pippa explained the benefits of the new wetland, adding: "The wetland areas provide refuges during the main channel’s temporary dry phases in the summer months.

"While in wetter times, they also help absorb floodwater."

Elaine viewed the work as part of a broader vision: "Chalk streams are globally rare and fragile habitats that require sensitive management.

"We were delighted to be able to carry out this important piece of work and it’s fantastic to see the site already showing significant promise."

The Hamble Brook is a unique winterbourne, a type of chalk stream that only flows periodically.

At present, the brook is benefiting from high groundwater and is flowing from just under Turville to Mill End, where it amalgamates with the Thames at Hambleden Lock.

Similar to most countryside landscapes, the Hamble Brook has been fundamentally influenced by human actions across centuries, suffering from intrusive processes such as channel straightening and agricultural pollution.

However, restoration seems to be in the pipeline as further landowners have expressed interest which could potentially bring an additional 2km of the brook into the project.