SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Water crowfoot
There are seven species of these beautiful whiteflowered buttercups, which grow in still or running water. Some have both floating (laminar) leaves and submerged, thread-like (capillary) leaves. However, the classic chalk stream species, such as river water crowfoot and chalk stream water crowfoot, have just the submerged ones. Their large beds are a sign of a healthy watercourse.
Watercress
This salad section staple grows abundantly in the wild along many chalk streams. It’s distinctive for its sprawling, hollow stems, which bear the familiar glossy-green paired leaflets. Clusters of white flowers atop the stems are obvious during high summer.
Grayling
Fondly known as the ‘lady of the stream’, this silvery freshwater fish has a huge, multi-coloured, chequered dorsal fin – its most distinctive feature. The species prefers clean, fast-flowing rivers with gravelly beds, where the females can dig their spawning hollows known as redds.
Bullhead
A broad, heavy head and wedge-shaped body help the bullhead to hide under the stones of clean, fast-moving streams. Its spiny dorsal and pectoral fins offer extra protection against predators, which include kingfishers and otters. Preferring to remain concealed by day,
the diminutive bullhead then darts out at night to grab unsuspecting insects and crustaceans.
Kingfisher
No larger than a sparrow, the spritely kingfisher is surely one of our most celebrated and sought-after species. With a dagger-like bill, electric-blue back and orange underparts, it is unmistakable. The bird is more common than you might think along many lowland watercourses, and chalk streams – with their healthy populations of fish – suit it perfectly.