1. Impress the Chess

Aims: Involve people with their local waterbodies; Work together

Water body: River Chess

Project description

A local community initiative set up to protect and enhance the River Chess in Chesham.

 Impress the Chess is a partnership between local authorities, conservation bodies and community groups to protect and restore the River Chess which flows through the town. The River Chess, an internationally rare chalk stream, is under threat from low water levels, pollution, habitat destruction and invasive species that can wipe out native wildlife. Impress the Chess was set up in 2004 to protect the river as it flows through Chesham and to raise awareness of the river and its special qualities.  Major achievements of the project to date include, the Meades Water Gardens Regeneration Project, the eradication of himalayan balsam from the R. Chess and Trout in the Classroom. Volunteers from the Chesham Environmental Group carry out monthly conservation tasks along the river as part of the Impress the Chess initiative.  For more information on Impress the Chess and to find out how to get involved visit Chesham Town Council's website.

Project lead: Chesham Town Council

Project partners: Chilterns Chalk Streams Project, Environment Agency, River Chess Association, Chiltern District Council, Chesham Environmental Group, Chesham Society

Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project start: 2004