Chalk Stream Connectors

Project overview

The South East Rivers Trust has received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to begin the development phase of the Chalk Stream Connectors project.

This project focuses on helping communities connect with four chalk streams flowing through South London and the surrounding area — the River Wandle, Cray, Darent and Hogsmill river.

During this phase, we will explore what helps or prevents people from accessing these rivers and enjoying the green spaces around them, with the aim of shaping a more accessible and welcoming future for these important local environments.

Connecting communities with chalk streams

Chalk streams are among the rarest river habitats on Earth, and four of them flow through neighbourhoods across South London.

Despite this, many people feel these rivers are difficult to access or not designed with them in mind. Chalk Stream Connectors aims to change that by working with local communities to better understand how these spaces are experienced.

Listening and learning

We are working directly with communities to understand what helps — and what can be a barrier — to accessing local rivers.

This includes listening to the experiences of people who are often underrepresented in natural spaces, including older people, young people, people with disabilities or health conditions, and people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

What we’re doing

During the development phase, we will work alongside communities and local organisations to explore new ways of connecting people with their rivers.

This will include community events, guided river walks, environmental education sessions with schools, and microgrants to support community-led activities along the streams.

Microgrants for community projects

As part of Chalk Stream Connectors, we’re offering small grants of up to £800 to support community-led activities along the Hogsmill, Cray, Darent and Wandle.

These microgrants are designed to help local groups run inclusive, accessible activities that connect people with their rivers — particularly those who are underrepresented in green spaces. This could include events like litter picks, nature workshops, storytelling or outdoor skills sessions.

We’re looking for ideas that are community-focused, inclusive and encourage people to spend time in nature, while helping improve access to these rare chalk streams.

Read the microgrant guidance
Apply for a microgrant
Download the post-project report template

Shaping the next stage

This development phase will run until March 2027 and will inform a future funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

If successful, the next stage of the project will focus on delivering practical improvements that make the Wandle, Cray, Darent and Hogsmill more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

We would especially like to hear from people who feel underrepresented in green spaces, including older people (65+), young people (16–30), carers (young people and adults), individuals with disabilities, health conditions or impairments, and people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

To find out more or get involved, please contact:

[email protected]

Funding

Chalk Stream Connectors is made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will help explore how chalk streams can become more accessible for local communities and ensure these rare and valuable environments are understood, enjoyed and cared for in the future.