This week anglers are being called upon to take part in a citizen science drive to help better understand the health of river systems in the UK and Ireland.
The Big River Watch is an initiative run by The River Trust, in which people sit for 15 minutes and observe a waterway, answering questions in a simple survey.
Thousands have taken part over the last few years, and it’s hoped that even more people will get involved in this year’s watch, which takes place between April 25 and May 1.
“Our rivers are far from healthy, and to restore them, we need more information about how they’re doing,” said a spokesperson for The Rivers Trust.
“You can help us to identify and locate the issues and it will contribute to a national data set that will help us to build an overall picture of river health.”
“You can complete the Big River Watch at your favourite local spot, or get to know somewhere new. The survey will ask you about what you see – from wildlife and plants to the flow speed of the water and any signs of pollution.”
If you want to take part, simply download the free Big River Watch app, then spend 15 minutes observing a river and answering the questions in the survey, before uploading your findings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION FOLLOW THIS LINK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BIG RIVER WATCH...
