Vikki Slade MP backs Chalk Stream protections and champions Dorset TESTBED Living Science Park

Vikki Slade MP has reaffirmed her commitment to protecting the UK’s rare chalk streams while taking practical action in Dorset through her support for the Dorset TESTBED Living Science Park.

Yesterday, Vikki attended an event in support of a Bill that will be debated in the House of Commons tomorrow, which seeks to nominate the UK’s unique chalk streams as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Vikki is a co-sponsor of the Bill and has also signed a letter urging  the Secretary of State at DEFRA to give greater protections for chalk streams.

In Dorset, residents are fortunate to have the River Allen, a rare and ecologically important chalk stream that supports a wide variety of species and plays a vital role in the local environment.

Although the Bill will be formally tabled today, Vikki will not be able to speak or vote in the Commons as she will be in Dorset attending the Dorset TESTBED event.

Vikki Slade MP said:

“It is disappointing not to be in Parliament to support this Bill, particularly as I am proud to be a co-sponsor.”

“I will be in my constituency supporting the Dorset TESTBED initiative and working directly with those taking proactive steps to manage and protect our landscapes.”

The Dorset TESTBED initiative is an ambitious regional programme transforming how the UK undertakes landscape-based innovation. Rather than constructing traditional laboratories, TESTBED will bring together more than 20 major landowners to open access to over 80,000 hectares of research-active land. The project creates a distributed “Living Science Park”, enabling universities, businesses and public bodies to trial innovations in real-world settings.

The event will bring together academics, landowners and local political leaders to explore chalk stream protection, landowner partnerships, farming challenges, community engagement, environmental resilience and much more.

Vikki previously raised the Dorset TESTBED project in Parliament and has secured an upcoming meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss its potential. Vikki added:

“Dorset TESTBED shows how we can bring together farmers, landowners, scientists and communities to deliver practical solutions."

“This is a forward-looking, collaborative model that puts Dorset at the forefront of environmental innovation. By linking research directly with the landscape, we are ensuring that Dorset plays a leading role in shaping national policy and scientific progress.”

Vikki continues to work both locally and nationally to ensure Dorset’s environment, rural economy and communities are firmly on the agenda in Westminster.