Impress the Chess is a partnership between local authorities, conservation bodies and community groups to protect and restore the River Chess, a chalk stream flowing through the town.
Chalk streams are important because they are a characteristic feature of the Chilterns. They are also a globally rare habitat, supporting some of our most threatened plants and animals, such as water voles.
However, the River Chess is under threat from low water levels, pollution, habitat destruction and invasive species that can wipe out native species. So Impress the Chess was set up to protect the river as it flows through Chesham. If you live or work next to the river, read this leaflet to find out what you can do to help the Chess (PDF, 1.4 MB). And we can all help the River Chess by trying to reduce how much water we use. Find out more on our Water Wasters page!
Read about these successful Impress the Chess projects:
Sponsored Bird Box Scheme
Meades Water Gardens Regeneration
Trout in the Classroom
Water Voles
Canon's Mill Foot Bridge
Impress the Chess has drawn up a list of potential projects and actions to improve the river environment in Chesham. You can download the action plan here (PDF, 1.9 MB).
Impress the Chess is a positive example of different organisations working together for the benefit of the environment. Chesham Town Council would like to thank the following partners:
Chesham Environmental Group
Chesham Society
Chilterns Conservation Board, Chalk Streams Project
River Chess Association
Chiltern Society
Meades Lane Residents Association