Just done a short blog about a film I've been making for WWF - a film to support their campaign "Rivers on the Edge" to save our chalk rivers from the damaging levels of abstraction they are subjected to.

The blog is here: http://www.hotasafish.com/2009/11/rivers-on-edge.html

The film is here:
It would be great if any of you felt strongly enough about this to write to your MP. The message is that chalk streams are a globally unique habitat and we need to protect them from over abstraction.

You could also adopt a river as part of the WWF campaign. Details of how to do this are on the wwf.org.uk website

WWF are putting a lot of clout behind this cause which is fab news. Whether it works will depend utterly on whether MPs and ministers perceive it is an important issue. So, don't be cynical. Don't assume there's no point. Write a letter.

The MP in the constituency through which the River Beane doesn't flow any more got so many letters from people who felt this was a shame that he compiled a "wet file" (good name in an ironic way) and raised the issue of chalk stream abstraction as a private members debate. Now he's got a river visit from the DEFRA Minister on the cards.

Good things can happen.

Charles.

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www.hotasafish.com

Well presented film Charles.keep up the good work.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

I live a long way from the chalk streams, but all of English nature is our heritage, and we should all try to do something to help. When we've had our local by-election, I'll try to remember to write whoever wins it.
Don't want to detract in any way from your excellent film, but I thought there were chalk streams in Normandy or Brittany. I have a video of Ollie Kite fishing one, I believe. All the best. TerryC

You're right Terry there are chalk streams in Normandy, which is why I was careful to say this "part" of the world. In fact it's kind of the same catchment as they all run onto what was once a super-river flowing north through the channel and north sea. I thought it would kill the flow of words to pause and point out there are a few in France. The unique habitat point still holds I think. Anyway, good on you for writing to your MP when you do. Cheers.

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www.hotasafish.com

Nice evocative piece of film and good scripting.

I've just bought your book, Chalkstream, at the BFFI..hope it reads as well..I'm sure it will,

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Roy

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