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Chalk Streams (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to take the necessary steps to nominate the UK's chalk streams as a serial UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Pippa HeylingsLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

30 April 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would require the Secretary of State to start and progress the nomination of the UK’s chalk streams as a serial UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. It sets out the steps needed for the nomination but does not guarantee UNESCO designation or provide funding. In short, it seeks formal international recognition of chalk streams’ ecological and cultural importance if the nomination succeeds.

Key Points

  • Requires the Secretary of State to initiate and progress a nomination of chalk streams as a serial UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
  • Nomination would cover multiple chalk streams across the UK, highlighting their ecological value and cultural heritage.
  • UNESCO designation, if it happens, would depend on the international process; the Bill does not confer funding or a guaranteed designation.

Who is affected?

Defra and other government departments involved in heritage and environmentlocal authorities and communities along chalk streamsenvironmental and conservation organisations (eg Wildlife Trusts, river trusts)anglers, fisheries, and tourism operators tied to chalk-stream habitatslandowners and farmers with land near chalk streamsUK researchers and scientists in ecology and geomorphologythe broader public with an interest in natural heritage

Generated 1 March 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

25 Feb 2026

2nd readingCommons
Committee stageCommons
Report stageCommons
3rd readingCommons
1st readingLords
2nd readingLords
Committee stageLords
Report stageLords
3rd readingLords
Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Chalk Streams (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) Bill

27 Feb 2026

The 2024-2026 session of Parliament has come to an end so the House of Commons is now prorogued until the next session begins on 13 May 2026. Prorogation is the formal end to the parliamentary year.

This Bill will therefore make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.