Protecting nature on your doorstep

Two projects promoting and protecting Lincolnshire’s natural assets are under the spotlight to encourage more environmental public participation.

Both the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Plan (LNRS) would benefit from more people getting involved.

Chalk Streams are rarer than rain forests and under fresh focus with a county-wide discover, restore and enhance strategy. They are among the most ecologically significant habitats on Earth. Fed by pure groundwater that has been filtered through natural chalk aquifers, they have distinct characteristics that support high biodiversity. 

Lincolnshire has around 11% of England’s chalk streams across the Wolds which go on to flow out to the surrounding county coastline. That works out to about 140 miles of one of the scarcest habitats for wildlife on the planet on our doorstep. 

An important part of the success of these streams is the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, a partnership between 14 organisations which began in 2003 and has, over the last 20 years, spent more than £4.5m to benefit the streams and the wildlife that uses them.

A large part of that funding has gone into restoring nearly 19 miles (around 30km) of chalk streams and surrounding land. 

The partnership is launching a new strategic vision so that chalk streams in Lincolnshire are better projected. Over the next ten years the partnership aims to:  

• Discover more about chalk streams by engaging landowners, farmers, communities, local businesses and partner organisations in conservation efforts, promoting awareness and active participation in preserving these unique habitats. 
• Restore the county streams natural resilience by helping these ecosystems to recover and thrive, creating a healthier environment for local wildlife and people. 
• Enhance biodiversity, strengthen community stewardship, and build a resilient future ensuring lasting ecological and social benefits. 

There is a range of educational, social and public engagement opportunities available to members of the public around the work being done to maintain and encourage the county’s chalk streams.

Take part in the conservation by going to: www.lincolnshirechalkstreams.org.

People are also urged to be part of the consultation Lincolnshire County Council has launched about nature recovery through the LNRS, which is a document introduced by the Environment Act 2021 to help local authorities hit the targets set out in the Government's Environmental Improvement Plan.

The draft LNRS is now ready and the public’s responses will help inform the final document for Greater Lincolnshire, which is home to variety of nationally important landscapes and associated habitats including: coast and marshes, estuarine, grasslands, heathland and ancient woodland and they all support a wide range of species.

Those natural areas have been in decline over the last century, with many areas of habitat depleted and native species under threat or already lost.

“This is a great chance for you to have your say and complete the survey. To take part just go to www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/gllnrs-consultation,” said a spokesperson. 

The consultation is now live and will run until Sunday, March 8. See alsoi Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy