Test and Itchen
There are only about 200 chalk streams in the world and 85% of them are in England, mainly in the south. Two of the most well known are the Rivers Test and Itchen, which drain into the Solent. I am lucky enough to live in this beautiful catchment area.
Chalk streams have been intensively managed for hundreds of years, for purposes such as flood control and creating water meadows..Since the beginning of the 20th century much of the management has been aimed at producing the best conditions for fly fishing, Nowaday, these fragile environments face long-standing problems like pollution and over-extraction, problems that are worsened by climate change and population growth.
The images here show the Test and Itchen and their tributaries, in all cases near their source.
Chalk streams have been intensively managed for hundreds of years, for purposes such as flood control and creating water meadows..Since the beginning of the 20th century much of the management has been aimed at producing the best conditions for fly fishing, Nowaday, these fragile environments face long-standing problems like pollution and over-extraction, problems that are worsened by climate change and population growth.
The images here show the Test and Itchen and their tributaries, in all cases near their source.
River Test near Polhampton
River Dever at Bransbury
River Anton at Rookesbury Mill
Bourne Rivulet at Hurstbourne Priors
River Swift at Ibthorpe
Pillhill Stream at Fyfield
Wallop Brook at Broughton
Sombourne Stream at King's Somborne
River Dun at West Dean
River Itchen at Tichbourne
River Arle at Bishop's Sutton
