Hitchin MP wades in to support river conservation

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 3^rd DECEMBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, donned waders and joined members of the River Hiz Conservation Group (RHCG) on litter picking duties at one of Hertfordshire’s ecologically precious chalk streams.

Strathern shared the group’s concerns about the fragility of the river’s ecosystem. Invasive species, including Himalayan balsam, mink, and signal crayfish add to the perils of pollution and abstraction, all on top of alternating drought and flooding caused by climate change.

Since being elected, Mr Strathern has spoken up in Parliament on the need to do more to protect rivers and chalk streams, backing the Water Special Measure’s Bill in Parliament to toughen up requirements and enforcement on water companies.

The Hiz is one of the prized chalk streams in Mr Strathern’s constituency. It rises at Charlton, west of Hitchin, and runs up to join the Ivel north of Arlesey, meeting the Purwell and the Oughton on the way. The river hosts a wealth of birdlife from egrets and herons and kingfishers to visiting warblers and cuckoos.

With the Hicca Way footpath shadowing its course, the Hiz is a regular highlight for local walkers and those who just want to wile away time watching the river flow.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“Volunteers at the River Hiz Conservation Group do fantastic work to preserve and protect our unique and precious chalk streams.

“All too often, we haven’t done enough to protect and cherish these fantastic natural assets.

“Since being elected I’ve been proud to push for tough action on pollution and over abstraction.

“Selfless community work like this is so vital for local conservation of nature too.  

“So it was great to join the group and get stuck in to playing my part helping with the clear up.”

Notes to Editors

The RHCG monitors the river and carries out clearance and rubbish removal tasks. It has plans to expand its activities. For more information see the RiverHizCG page on Facebook or email riverhizconservation@gmail.com.

You can see an image of Strathern joining volunteers at the River Hiz attached.