ChessWatch

A water observatory for the River Chess

The River Chess is a chalk stream within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is under pressure despite the efforts of local groups to improve river habitat. The River fails to meet ‘good ecological status’ due to a combination of nutrient enrichment, poor health of its fish populations and low flows. The River Chess Association (RCA) and Chilterns Chalk Streams Project (CCSP) work together to enhance the river environment, educating stakeholders about river management. They have partnered with Thames Water on the ‘Smarter Water Catchments’ initiative which aims to develop collaborative plans for management of the River Chess environment from 2020.

The River Chess at Latimer. Photograph credit to the Chiltern Chalk Streams Project.

ChessWatch is a partnership between School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, River Chess Association (RCA), Chilterns Chalk Streams Project (CCSP) and Thames Water.

Project objectives:

• To install four water quality sensors in the River Chess to continuously monitor water chemistry, and provide data to contribute to decision-making on future management plans for the River. Find out what our water quality sensors are measuring.

• To widen public awareness about the threats to good water quality in the River Chess and the linkages between water usage and river health. Travel down the River Chess to find out more about current pressures on water quality and water levels.
  
  

• To provide educational material for teachers and school children who would like to learn more about chalk streams and the links between water quality and water quantity issues in rivers. View and download our educational resources.