The return of wildlife to the river Ivel has been a welcome sight for campaigners working to save the rare chalk stream from drying up and being lost forever.

The Ivel runs through Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey and Henlow and is one of just 200 chalk streams in the world.

The Comet: Campaigners are seeking enhanced protection of the river Ivel and other rare chalk streamsCampaigners are seeking enhanced protection of the river Ivel and other rare chalk streams (Image: Matthew Bartlett)

It was historically of sufficient depth to team with fish while supporting four watermills, breweries and a watercress industry, but had become a trickle of its former self.

In 2019, the RevIvel Association formed to help protect the Ivel's future, supported by North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald, who is seeking enhanced protection through an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Chalk Streams.

The Comet: Signs of new lifeSigns of new life (Image: Matthew Bartlett)

RevIvel member Sharon Moat said: "The river has recently been magnificent and the biodiversity has improved along with the increasing flow."

Aquatic invertebrates, bullhead fish eggs, caddisfly larvae and mayfly nymphs have been found in river surveys, as well as otter droppings and a kingfisher on the riverbank.

The Comet: Biodiversity is increasing as the chalk stream recoversBiodiversity is increasing as the chalk stream recovers (Image: Matthew Bartlett)