The Bishop of Norwich has supported calls for British chalk streams to be given World Heritage status, motivated by a call “to advocate for God’s creation”.
Rt Revd Graham Usher is supporting a bill introduced into parliament, which would give the rare waterways legal protections; is also urging people to not overlook natural decline “on our doorsteps”.
Only around 200 chalk streams exist around the world, with a majority being in England. A number are in the Diocese of Norwich, named the Babingly, Glaven, Gadder, Ingol, Hun, Stiffkey, Tiffey, Wissey and Wensum.
Chalk streams are a vital habitat for threatened wildlife, including brown trout, water voles and an abundance of plants, because of the clear water fed by chalk aquifers.
One in six are deemed to meet “good ecological status” according to the European Water Framework Collective. Streams have run dry in the summer, being threatened by sewage discharges, agricultural pollution and climate change.
Bishop Graham said: “People are rightly horrified by the destruction of rainforests thousands of miles away – but sometimes seem less concerned about collapsing ecosystems almost literally on our doorstep.
“Christians are called to advocate for God’s creation. In our nature-impoverished land, this means protecting our heritage of natural wonders, including precious chalk streams.”
He gained the backing of the House of Lords with an amendment to protect chalk streams in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, but it was voted down by the Commons.
Now, the Chalk Streams (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) Bill would force the government to secure protection for the waterways, with the hope of unlocking funding and research for their protection. It has been introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Pippa Heylings.
Bishop Graham has been named among the 100 most influential sustainability leaders in the UK. The Edie 100 list was announced last month, recognising those who are inspiring positive environmental change.
He is the Church of England's lead bishop for the environment, and lead bishop for biodiversity for the Anglican Communion.