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Fury as off-road vehicles drive through protected chalk stream

@Serkan Hussein

by Aidan Bordiuk |

Updated on4th February 2026 at 10.19am

Astonishingly, vehicles are being driven freely along the riverbed of the protected and ecologically important River Meon in Hampshire.

The Meon is recognised by the government as an environmentally protected habitat, meaning public bodies are expected to prevent deterioration of the aquatic environment. Despite this, large 4x4 vehicles continue to legally use the river as a so-called “splash route”, causing concern over ecological and environmental damage.

A simple message | Credit: Serkan Hussein

An ecological survey conducted in the river, where the vehicles drive, produced these results:

'Less species of fish, macro-invertebrate families and a lower biomass of fish than both the Upstream and Downstream Site. The mid site was also the only site to produce 0+ juvenile brown trout suggesting it may provide an important nursery area for brown trout.

Both the BMWP and WHPT at the Mid Site achieved good status which is one class lower than the high status both the Upstream and Downstream sites achieved. This indicates that the vehicles driving through the River Meon are having an impact on the biodiversity of the river.'

Plenty of residents and representatives were in attendance | Credit: Serkan Hussein

Despite the aquatic ecology report highlighting these problems and recommending closure of the route, Hampshire County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) have failed to act and have chosen not to halt the activity, which they could so easily by issuing a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

As a result of this inaction, a protest organised by residents of Droxford, with support from the Test and Itchen Association, Fish Legal, and Activist Anglers, was held on Saturday 31 January in Droxford. The demonstration aimed to demand accountability, promote environmental stewardship, and ensure this internationally important chalk stream is protected for future generations.

More than 150 residents and campaigners came together, vastly exceeding organisers’ expectations, as frustration continues to grow over the lack of action from both local and county councils, while also proving how much the public care about our rivers, and that destruction won't be tolerated, in whatever form it appears.

Hopefully the council will act to preserve the River Meon | Credit: Serkan Hussein

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