On Wednesday 22 November, all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty become National Landscapes.

The new name reflects their national importance: the vital contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work that they do.

This is a significant milestone for the UK and the next step in fully realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the leading exemplars of how thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing.

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Sparkling Streams restores and enhances North Wessex chalk rivers

The Sparkling Streams Project (SSP) took place in the Kennet River catchment.

Developed and led by North Wessex Downs National Landscape, it is a partnership together with Hungerford Town and Manor, ARK – Action for the River Kennet, and the Southern Streams Farmers Group.

The aim was to use a catchment approach improving the condition of the River Kennet chalk river (Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI) and the Shalbourne and Dun tributaries, increasing wildlife, and connecting people with nature.

The SSP delivered work ranging from large-scale river restoration/reconnection on the River Kennet to a wealth of smaller-scale works along the Dun and Shalbourne tributaries, engaging farmers, local communities, and school children.

SSP has had a big impact and is an exemplar model that can be replicated on other rivers/streams/sub-catchments.