Test Valley chalk streams could become national landscape

The work by Test Valley Borough Council will focus on protecting the River Test, its tributaries and other chalk streams across the borough and beyond.

Early feasibility work will help the local authority understand whether areas might be suitable for designation, previously known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cllr Stewart MacDonald, portfolio holder for community led projects, said: "We’re proud of Test Valley’s natural beauty and we know how important it is to local people.

"The rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, historic villages and the River Test create a landscape rich in wildlife, heritage and character.

"These qualities make the area distinctive and valued by residents, visitors and communities across the region.

"While achieving National Landscape status isn’t easy, we believe this is worth pursuing, and it would also be worth knowing what other avenues could be explored to make sure it’s protected for the future.

"It would help safeguard what makes our borough special, while supporting the needs of our communities."

A National Landscape designation is made by Natural England and is one of the highest forms of landscape protection in the country.

It recognises the natural, cultural and historic importance of an area and helps protect places from pressures such as overdevelopment, climate change and habitat loss.

If National Landscape status is unattainable, initial investigations will also determine what other potential protection designations could be pursued, such as green infrastructure planning or Local Nature Recovery strategies.

Cllr Alison Johnston, portfolio holder for climate emergency and countryside, said: "Protecting our chalk streams has been a priority for Test Valley Borough Council for many years and if we can achieve this status it would be a game‑changer, giving stronger protection to this unique ecosystem."