Chalk streams are universally extraordinary mineral rich waters and unique to England as most of them run through there. However, due to anthropogenic activities many are endangered, and the government has declared an emergency. There is now a strategy in place for restoring and recovering the health of chalk streams nationally. But the outcome of chalk stream restoration work is often vague, and three variables are needed to ensure a successful restoration. In a local context there may be factors affecting the restoration. With a social science approach, this case study seeks to find the setbacks and solutions on one of the most pressured chalk streams examples there are: The Upper River Ivel (URI), Hertfordshire, where a restoration project has just taken place. Via a thematic analysis any challenges or opportunities on the restoration and future of the URI was unfolded. By interviewing stakeholders connected to the restoration, results shed light to themes around the complex nature of the URI case, its restoration and future. The research shows that the hinders are intercorrelated to the solutions to the issues the URI is facing. The themes show a focus on 1) resources 2) monitoring and data 3) awareness 4) water valuation 5) water quality 6) water quality, and 7) maintenance. Although there is a consensus between the stakeholders about the aim for the URI and that the project has been positive, the time perspective on when to reach there is where there are various opinions.