26 Feb 2026
The River Ver in St Albans – one of only around 200 rare chalk streams across the globe – could become a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Ver, which flows from the Chiltern Hills to the River Colne, features crystal-clear, mineral-rich water at a constant temperature of about 10°C – which providing an ideal environment for specific flora and fauna.
As globally valued habitats, 85 per cent of which are in England, chalk streams like the Ver are in desperate need of protection and rejuvenation – particularly following the most recent reports of shocking illegal sewage discharges from the Markyate sewage works near St Albans
Achieving UNESCO world heritage status would formally recognise chalk streams as sites of outstanding universal value, strengthen long-term protection, and help unlock funding, research and public engagement to support their recovery.
The chalk streams campaign is being promoted in a 10 Minute Rule Bill by Liberal Democrat MP Pippa Heylings, and supported by St Albans and Harpenden representatives Daisy Cooper and Victoria Collins.
Daisy said: “Our precious chalk streams are up there with some of our most valued cultural and natural features globally, such as the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef or Stonehenge. That’s why we are fighting for them to have the same conservation protections, by giving them UNESCO World Heritage Status.
“The River Ver here in Hertfordshire is a precious eco-system and a much-loved local waterway that enriches our local environment.
“This call is just the latest in my years-long fight for national action to clean up our chalk streams, end sewage dumping, and protect them for generations to come.”
Victoria added: “Our chalk streams are some of our rarest and most precious natural habitats, and deserve to be treated as the irreplaceable treasure it is. Chalk streams like the Ver are rarer than rainforest, yet they continue to be polluted by illegal sewage discharges that should never have been allowed to happen in the first place.
“The nearly 10,000 hours of sewage dumped by Markyate sewage works into our precious River Ver is an absolute disgrace – and those responsible must be held to account. UNESCO World Heritage Status would give these extraordinary waterways the global recognition and long-term protection they urgently need.
“Local people care deeply about the Ver, and I will keep fighting to ensure it is restored, protected, and cherished for generations to come.”
