Chitterne Brook Restoration: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

£700,000 goal
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust logo

As part of the Wylye Valley Landscape Recovery Scheme, this project will re-meander approximately 3km of the Chitterne Brook, a winterbourne chalk stream that naturally dries during the summer months, restoring historically straightened sections of channel and creating a richer mosaic of riparian, wetland and in-channel habitats. Increased shading, creating habitat diversity and improved floodplain connectivity will enhance conditions for wildlife and strengthen the resilience of this important tributary of the River Wylye.

This project forms part of the wider Wylye Valley Landscape Recovery scheme, a partnership-led initiative bringing together 20 landowners, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Wessex Rivers Trust and Wylye Valley Farmers to restore 531 hectares across the Wylye catchment. Through river restoration, habitat creation and changes to land management, the programme will reconnect the river with its floodplain, improve water quality and support wildlife recovery, helping to create a more resilient and connected chalk stream landscape for people and nature. 

Alongside environmental outcomes, the programme will enhance public rights of way and create opportunities for learning, engagement and community participation. Working with parish councils, schools and local groups, it aims to foster long-term stewardship of the river, with Langford Lakes serving as a focal point for education, monitoring and community involvement. Supported through a blend of public funding and responsible private investment, the project is developing a long-term model for restoring the Wylye Valley and securing its future for generations to come.

This project forms part of the wider River Wylye Landscape Recovery programme

Rivers 2040

A Rivers 2040 project is a place-based freshwater restoration initiative that contributes to the long-term recovery of river catchments through nature-based solutions. Projects can range from restoring floodplains and wetlands, improving water quality, reconnecting rivers to their natural processes, creating habitat for wildlife, reducing pollution, increasing access to nature, or helping communities become more resilient to flooding and drought.  

Rivers 2040 aims to bring together multiple environmental, social and economic benefits at a catchment scale, demonstrating how investment in nature can support healthier rivers, thriving wildlife, resilient communities and sustainable economic growth. 

Land ownership

Mixed ownership: project area spans both Wildlife Trust-owned and third-party owned land. 

Delivery approach

Direct delivery: the project delivers change through on-the-ground activity within the project area, implementing interventions that restore, enhance or manage habitats and natural processes. 

Project readiness

Investment ready: the project proposition is well defined, with funding requirements, delivery plans, projected outcomes and governance arrangements in progress.     

Partners and funding

Delivery of this project may be supported by a range of partners and funding mechanisms. Funding may already have been secured from multiple sources and at different stages, contributing towards the overall project value and delivery costs. Contact us to explore current funding requirements and how the project could be developed and delivered with your organisation. 

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Project benefits

Swans in Channel
Nature slows the flow 

Natural flood management

Natural solutions such as tree planting, reconnecting floodplains and wetland creation, slow the flow of water through catchments, helping to reduce flood risk downstream to homes and businesses. These measures support wildlife, store carbon and improve water quality too.
An expanse of dry, cracked earth at a reedbed, the result of a drought
Nature stores water

Natural drought protection

Restoring habitats such as wetlands and peatlands helps store water in the landscape and builds resilience to drought through maintaining water supplies for both people and wildlife. Re-wetted areas provide a refuge to wildlife and store vast amounts of carbon too.
Beaver Eating - David Parkyn
Bringing back nature’s engineers

Keystone species

Reintroducing keystone species brings back natural processes that improve biodiversity and climate change resilience. Keystone species like beavers and large herbivores are nature’s engineers, shaping their habitats in ways that enhance resilience and help other wildlife thrive.
Split level view of the River Itchen, with aquatic plants: Blunt-fruited Water-starwort (Callitriche obtusangula) Itchen Stoke Mill is visible on the left.
Nature cleans up catchments

Pollution reduction 

Healthy rivers and wetlands trap sediment, filter out pollutants, and absorb excess nutrients, helping to improve water quality. These natural processes help the provision of clean and safe water for people and wildlife.
A group of adults and children in a community garden opposite a block of flats. The sign reads 'Forest Garden' and there are bushes and sunflowers, amongst other plants
Nature supports neighbourhoods

Community benefits

Restoring our rivers and surrounding areas helps people access nature-rich spaces, supporting their mental and physical wellbeing, and helping prevent illnesses. It improves air and water quality, and helps communities cope with flooding, drought and extreme heat.
This Rivers 2040 project is hosted on the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts' website on behalf of Wildlife Trusts. Project goals, fundraising totals and other information reflect the latest information available at the point of publication and may be subject to change.