Upper Test
Chalk Stream Conservation
Protecting and celebrating the chalk streams of the upper River Test
WHO WE ARE
Upper Test Chalk Stream Conservation is a community group of local volunteers who care about our rivers. We come from Overton, Laverstoke, Freefolk, Whitchurch and nearby villages, and we look after the River Test from its source at Ashe down to the Bourne Rivulet. We are a separate group to Sustainable Overton, but work closely with them (and many of our volunteers are part of both groups).
Chalk streams are among the rarest habitats in the world, and we're lucky to have some on our doorstep. Our aim is simple: to protect and encourage wildlife along our local chalk streams, and to bring the community closer to them.
WHAT WE DO
Monitoring the river's health
We run regular surveys to track how the river is doing, and all our results go into national databases:
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Monthly invertebrate sampling at several sites, as part of the national Riverfly Monitoring Initiative. The small creatures living in the riverbed are a good sign of water quality.
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Detailed invertebrate counts through the SmartRivers programme.
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Chemical water quality testing.
Wildlife and habitat surveys
We survey for water voles and for redds (the gravel nests where trout and salmon lay their eggs). We record invasive non-native plant species too.
Hands-on conservation
We lead working parties to remove invasive plants such as Himalayan Balsam and Monkey Flower, which crowd out native wildlife.
Education and events
We help with chalk stream education programmes, run training sessions for adults on chalk stream ecology, providing outreach to local groups of adults and children, and hold events by the river.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The group was officially founded in 2026, but our work began much earlier. Many of our volunteers were part of the Watercress and Winterbournes project, which ran from 2020 to March 2026 with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. When that project ended, its volunteers set up Upper Test Chalk Stream Conservation so the work could continue.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
We'd love to hear from you, whatever your experience. You don't need to know anything about rivers to start, because we'll give you any training you need.
To volunteer, email us at uppertest.chalkstream@gmail.com. We'll send you a short form so we can find out which activities interest you and how best to contact you.
Come and help us make a difference for our beautiful and rare local chalk streams.