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There are only 200 chalk streams in the world and the majority are located in the Wessex region. Known as “England’s Rainforest”, these rivers are important in our rich cultural history, as a vital habitat for wildlife, human recreational use and economically for water supply. But they are in crisis due to farm run-off, human waste treatment and discharge, recreational use and water abstraction.
RiverRun, a partnership project with Cape Farewell, will explore the ecological crisis in our chalk rivers through a creative collaboration of artists, museums, scientists and local communities, stimulating a vision for change we can all be part of.
The project will culminate in major exhibitions in the Wessex Museums in 2025 and 2026 showcasing creative responses inspired by the region’s unique river ecosystem.
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!