The results of a nationwide survey of lichens associated with streams on chalk and limestone are reported. The lichen communities are present as a series of overlapping bands related to length of submergence. These have been named the submerged, fluvial mesic, fluvial xeric and fluvial terrestrial zones. The flora involves around 50 lichens, many of which are rarely recorded specialists restricted to this habitat. The richest sites for submerged species are headwaters, especially around springs. Active tufa deposition and disturbance of the stream bed by farm stock are detrimental to aquatic lichens. Diversity further downstream is related to the amount of exposed limestone available for colonization, with topographical complexity also important. An investigation of the influence of water quality suggests that suspended solids (silting) is a significant determinant of lichen distribution together with eutrophication.