Ground-breaking work under way to restore rare chalk stream

SCHEME FORMS PART OF WIDER PROJECT TO SAFEGUARD ECOSYSTEMS

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WORK has begun on restoring Cherry Hinton Brook, marking the fifth and final case study site in a major initiative to protect and revitalise Cambridge's rare chalk streams.

Led by Cambridge City Council, the project forms part of the wider Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project, which aims to safeguard and enhance one of the world's most fragile freshwater ecosystems.

Cherry Hinton Brook joins four other locations Coldham's Brook, Hobson's Brook, Giant's Grave and Nine Well - where preparatory work has been under way since February.

Together, the sites will generate vital evidence to guide future restoration efforts across Cambridge and surrounding areas.

At each location, restoration work has focused on improving habitat quality using low-impact, environmentally sensitive techniques.

This includes selective tree and scrub management to balance light and shade along riverbanks, encouraging stronger plant growth while maintaining root systems to stabilise the banks.