Caring for the Clyde – 4th Citizen Science Meeting a success!
The Clyde River Foundation hosted it’s 4th Caring for the Clyde meeting yesterday celebrating three years of Citizen Science in the River Clyde catchment. Over fifty delegates gathered to hear talks from a variety of guest speakers. CRIMP coordinator Lesley Deans, Clyde River Foundation, opened the meeting by providing an overview of the achievements made by our riverfly monitors throughout the catchment.
Ben Fitch, Coordinator of The Riverfly Partnership, shared the most recent developments at the Riverfly Partnership as well as reporting on some pollution incidents picked up by Riverfly monitors in England. Ben also gave an up-to-date tour of the Riverflies Monitoring Database, developed by the Freshwater Biological Association.
Elaine Gallaher, Strathgryfe Angling Association, gave a captivating account of her experiences getting involved in riverfly monitoring since retiring and the learning and enjoyment that she has gained from it.
Theo Thomas, London Waterkeeper, was invited for a second year to talk about his passion for clean water on the River Thames and how one day residents and tourists alike should be able to use the river to bathe, like other European countries already do! Theo also showed how volunteers are using water testing kits to monitor E. coli levels in the river.
Michael Anderson, Development Officer for Science, Education Scotland, talked about citizen science in the context of education, outlining how citizen science activities can be used to deliver Curriculum for Excellence learning outcomes.
Finally William Yeomans, Clyde River Foundation, spoke of the Foundation’s future plans for Clyde Riverfly Monitoring Partnership. Thank you to all the delegates and guest speakers for making the day a real celebration of three years of citizen science and hopefully much more in the future!
If you would like to become a certified riverfly monitor please contact Ben Fitch to inquire about training opportunities in 2016 at ben@riverflies.org.
