MP Flick Drummond has visited an environmental success story that was taken over by the county wildlife trust.

St Clair’s Meadow, near Soberton, was acquired by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in 2017.

Since then the trust has worked hard to improve and create habitat for over-wintering waders with successes that include green sandpiper, snipe, and increasing numbers of little egret.

A recent report highlighted that this was one of the best stretches of the River Meon, providing ideal conditions for fish species including bullhead, trout, eel, and chubb.

Regular sightings are made of otter and water vole are a further testament to the quality of the reserve, with records of a rare butterfly – the Brown Hairstreak – recorded for the first time in 2023.

Ms Drummond visited St Clair’s Meadow ahead of the governments forthcoming ‘Chalk Stream Recovery Pack’.

She plans to speak to ministers about this and how best to ensure landowners, farmers, water companies and planning authorities contribute to the task of protecting and restoring our local rivers.

Chalk streams are one of the rarest habitats on the planet. More than 85 per cent are found in the South of England. They are rich in life and are home to endemic species including the southern chalk stream Atlantic Salmon, southern damselfly and white-clawed crayfish.

She said: “The work of the Wildlife Trust has made such a difference at St Clair’s Meadow and I was really pleased to learn more about the Trust’s conservation work and collaboration with the community and local farmers.  We should be proud of these precious places and I will continue to champion our chalk rivers both locally and in Westminster.”

Jayne Chapman, senior manager for central Hampshire at the wildlife trust, said: “It was great to be able to show Flick our work at St Clair’s Meadow – it’s a fantastic example of how careful management of the river and the surrounding habitat can help nature bounce back.  We know that these incredible chalk streams are under pressure from pollution, development and the changing climate.  We can’t take these amazing local assets for granted and it’s so important that we do everything in our power to look after them for future generations.”