Funding has been secured for a major study into the Gaywood River, which will probe how it could be better managed to help restore it to former glory.
It follows concerns that current methods of flood prevention are damaging its sensitive ecology, with critics calling the approach "outdated".
The multi-agency project is backed by West Norfolk Council, the King's Lynn Internal Drainage Board (KLIDB), Anglian Water and Norfolk Rivers Trust and it can now go ahead after securing funding.
Gaywood River Revival's Russell Biggs observes the aftermath after a section of a stream was dredged (Image: Gaywood River Revival)
NORFOLK'S FORGOTTEN CHALK STREAM
The waterway, which rises from springs to the east of Derby Fen before running out towards the Wash and flowing into the Great Ouse, has become the focus of concern among environmental groups.
It is one of only 210 rare chalk streams in the world, which are often described as 'England's rainforests' due to their importance to wildlife.
However........