The Role of Riverkeepers

Project White Hart announcement celebrates and champions the role of riverkeepers

‘‘Riverkeepers are the original custodians and the bedrock of our chalk streams. This community must be empowered to play a starring role in restoring wild chalk stream salmon.’’ - Jim Murray MBE

In October 2025, Jim Murray MBE led our first public announcement of Project White Hart with a gathering of key local stakeholders – riverkeepers and landowners from across the River Test and Itchen catchments.

Riverkeepers are often described as the ‘eyes and ears’ of our riverbanks - but that undersells their true value. They are far more than silent observers. Riverkeepers are the first line of defence for our chalk streams: protecting fish from poaching and responding to pollution incidents.

Their role goes beyond stewardship however. Riverkeeping is a way of life - a living tradition passed down through generations. The knowledge they carry, the families and communities they sustain, and the culture they preserve are all vital threads in the fabric of England’s rural heritage. To overlook that is to risk losing not only livelihoods but the living memory of our rivers.

Holding our first announcement with this community reflected Project White Hart’s commitment to continually engage and empower riverkeepers to support the mission going forward. We would like to extend our thanks to the Hampshire River Keepers Association, Test & Itchen Association, the Angling Trust and YETI for their support in making this event possible.

The River Keeper’s Voice

Peter Farrow has been Head Keeper on the River Test at Testwood and Nursling for the last 17 years.

“Historically, the fishery’s primary income has been derived from salmon fishing. However, alongside my colleagues, I have always held a deep respect and admiration for this remarkable species. In recent years, we have witnessed a significant and concerning decline in returning fish, particularly among chalk stream Atlantic salmon - one of the rarest and mostvulnerable salmon populations in the world.

As a result, both myself and the family who have owned and managed the fishery for many years have taken the important decision to cease salmon fishing in order to help protect and preserve these fragile natural stocks. My role has since evolved into one focused far more on conservation, a transition I am proud to embrace. I am committed to directing my experience, knowledge and passion into safeguarding the future of this species and the unique chalk stream environment they depend upon.

It is for this reason that I believe Project White Hart could not have come at a more critical time. By working closely with the Atlantic Salmon Trust, I am confident that we have a genuine opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the recovery of these extraordinary fish.”