The changing extent of headwater streamflow is monitored in four catchments in a chalk region of southern England. An annual pattern of migration of stream heads over several kilometres is described, together with short-lived extensions associated with large runoff events. Volume and frequency of streamflow are associated with differing degrees of boulder clay cover and it is suggested that a key process is lateral flow via field drainage systems. This holds implications for groundwater recharge as well as for surface streamflow. These mechanisms may be expected to occur in many areas of agriculturally-improved heavy soils on chalk. © 1990.