Pure Chalk Stream Water
"Each winter, the rain falls high on the sheep-grazed downs then seeps into the chalk seam hundreds of feet below the ground. Filtered, purified and chilled, the water emerges months later to form such famous rivers as the Test and Itchen. The closest thing to heaven on earth for rearing trout".
Simon Copper - Life of a Chalkstream and The Field
True chalk stream rivers are fed almost exclusively by springs rising from chalk downland. Rainfall filters through the chalk bedrock to emerge gin-clear and full of minerals and nutrients, creating an exceptionally verdant and unique habitat.
The Test and Itchen Rivers
The Test and Itchen Rivers in Hampshire are the two most iconic chalk streams in the world. It was on these rivers that the art of dry fly fishing was perfected in the 1800s. Revered by fishermen across the globe, they remain the spiritual home of upstream fly fishing for trout.
The rivers rise equally in the North Hampshire Downs and the South Downs National Park to flow through some of Southern England's finest countryside before entering the English Channel.
Only 14% of rivers in the UK achieve 'good ecological status' including the River Itchen and the majority of the River Test. There is a short section of the River Test between Kimbridge and Romsey classified as 'moderate ecological status' and ChalkStream® is committed to supporting actions to restore this to good condition.
