"I've been a member of the Dever Society since its early days," says David, "so I jumped at the opportunity to help with the society's publicity and admin work".

The Dever Society was formed in 1990 to protect and celebrate the rolling chalk landscapes north of Winchester, and was present at the Examination in Public that is currently reviewing the draft South East Plan. This key planning policy document sets out a vision for the future development of England’s largest region until 2026.

"The chalk downs and river valleys are a unique resource for visitors, anglers and lovers of wildlife, as well as an integral part of the agricultural economy," says David. Hampshire has more designated wildlife sites than any other county, including much of the River Test and its lesser-known tributary, the Dever. Yet these world-class chalkstreams are under increasing pressure from climate change and population growth.

"Changing rainfall patterns are affecting the replenishment of underground supplies, and compulsory water metering across the south east region is a real possibility," the Environment Agency's Rod Murchie recently told Dever Society members. "Projected river flows are alarmingly low, yet by contrast the region faces an increasing risk of winter flooding".

David is already helping to publicise issues like this, and will shortly begin updating and refreshing the Society's website.