The Rivers Trust is launching its first free and open Big River Watch survey which takes place this weekend to help build a picture of river health across the country.
Launching the initiative, The The Rivers Trust said:
“Rivers are suffering from sewage, plastic, chemical and nutrient pollution. To change this, we need to know where our rivers are having the problems and which problems are the most prevalent. The free and open Big River Watch survey is your chance to make a difference.”
People taking part will contribute to a national data set that will help The Rivers Trust to build a picture of river health across the country. The app to participate is open to everyone able to access a river in the UK or Ireland during the weekend of 22-24th September 2023.
No existing experience or knowledge on river health or river environments is required and participants are asked to spend just 15 minutes observing and answering the questions on the survey, ranging from wildlife and plants, to the flow speed of the water and whether they can see any pollution. The survey process is as follows:
Step 1: Sign up
Sign up and download the survey app to your phone before visiting the site.
Step 2: Take part
Pick a riverside location to join others around the country in collecting data about the health of your local river.
Step 3: Upload
Upload your survey.
Data gathered during Big River Watch can support policy change; helping turn the tide on plastics or stem the flow of untreated sewage. It can also help identify the best places for river clean-ups, or the creation of things like wetlands.
Click here to visit the Big River Watch webpage to learn more about the app, how to get involved, and to stay updated.
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