Guardians of the Whitewater since 1980
We are a society of local people with one purpose: to protect the River Whitewater and its valley from inappropriate extraction and development, and to keep this rare chalkstream clear, cool and alive.
A vision for a living river
The Whitewater Valley Conservation Society exists to protect the River Whitewater and its valley. Our mission is to defend the valley from inappropriate extraction and development, and the impact that would have on the river.
In practice that means scrutinising every proposal that could affect the river, objecting where damage would be done, and speaking up for the landscape at every planning forum that will hear us.
How the Society took shape
Founder members formed the Whitewater Valley Preservation Society, in response to concerns about proposed sand and gravel extraction from the River Whitewater.
In March, the organisation was registered as the Whitewater Valley Conservation Society, as a Community Benefit Society, registration number 8596.
In October, HMRC confirmed the Whitewater Valley Conservation Society is a charity for tax purposes, reference number ZD22162.
Our charitable objectives
- To promote, for the public benefit of the community, the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Whitewater Valley.
- To advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment, by encouraging access to the Whitewater Valley for educational and environmental purposes.
The people behind the Society
Our supporters include individuals, local interest groups, parish councils, riparian owners and organisations along the River Whitewater. You are welcome to join them in supporting our work.
As a supporter, you will be invited to our Annual General Meeting and at least one other exclusive event each year, usually held on the banks of the River Whitewater. It is a chance to hear the latest on everything from strategic planning developments to the health of the river itself.
All we ask in return is a modest annual subscription from individual and corporate supporters.
A committee of volunteers
The Society is run entirely by volunteers: a committee of local residents who bring planning, ecological and legal experience to the river's defence, answerable to our supporters at the Annual General Meeting.