Planting for the future
Helping to protect one of the rarest natural habitats in the world - right here in our district
In February 2025, our Environment Delivery and Countryside Teams created a new riverside tree buffer along the River Lambourn at Almond Avenue Park in Shaw. This is part of our ongoing work to look after this very special chalk stream.
- Only 220 chalk streams exist worldwide, with around 80% found in Southern England
The River Lambourn is one of the finest examples. The clear water, stable temperature and rich plant life support fish, birds, insects and other wildlife that rely on this unique environment.
The stretch of river at Almond Avenue is so important that it is protected as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Working with the Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency, we have planted 48 native riverside trees such as alder, hawthorn, and willow. These were planted in new areas that will now be left unmown, with biodegradable guards to protect young trees without harming the environment.
- As the buffer zone matures, it will stabilise the riverbank, support carbon storage and provide valuable food and shelter for local wildlife. It will also enhance biodiversity across this sensitive chalk stream corridor
We've also introduced a three metre no mow strip along the river. Allowing the grass and plants to grow naturally helps stabilise the bank, provides food and shelter for wildlife, and creates cooler, shaded spots in the river, which are important during hotter, drier summers.
These changes are a long term investment in the health of the River Lambourn. By improving habitats now, we are helping this rare chalk stream remain resilient to climate change, pollution and changing water levels, so it can thrive for generations to come.
