COMMUNITIES in the North West are being encouraged to take part in scientific monitoring and research of their local waterways this autumn; helping the Environment Agency and local groups work together to improve the environment.

Throughout the year Environment Agency teams collect, analyse and report on invertebrate, plant, algae, fish and water chemistry data to assess the health of our waters.

It has also supported a number of citizen science initiatives through its own:- “Supporting Citizen Science” project, including:- the Big Windermere Survey, working with a number of partners including:- the Freshwater Biological Association, the National Trust and Lake District Foundation.

Launched in 2022, it has brought together citizen scientists as part of synchronised sampling across all 4 seasons to collect water samples, assess water quality and identify sources of pollution at:- Lake Windermere. The project is part of the Love Windermere Partnership.

In Cheshire, the National Trust Lyme Park River Guardians project is monitoring water chemistry and ecology throughout the park to assess the impacts on water quality, before and after small scale natural flood control methods and habitat restoration measures were carried out.

Future monitoring will aim to build a more comprehensive picture of how the ecology is changing as a result, with the aim to expand the project to other National Trust properties.

Ahead of World River’s Day, on:- Sunday, 24 September 2023, the Rivers Trust is launching the:- ‘Big River Watch’, encouraging people to visit their local river this weekend and record what wildlife they can see, contributing to a wider national data set.

People can help by collecting a sample in the river and analysing it for wildlife such as:- mayfly, stonefly, caddisfly and freshwater shrimp.

In recent years riverfly samples, for example, have helped identify the effects of drought which can then be used to support local interventions, including:- fish rescues or using aerators to boost oxygen levels.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said:- “Citizen Science initiatives provide invaluable data, which complements our own monitoring and assessment work. Citizen scientists share our passion for the environment and we look forward to continuing to work closely together to help find solutions to the complex issues facing the water environment.”

For more information on how to get involved visit the website.