PEOPLE are being invited to become ‘citizen scientists’ and join an event to measure the health of waterways in the Downend area.
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) runs the annual Bristol Avon RiverBlitz. which this year is taking place from July 4 – 11. The charity invites residents to send off for a kit they can use to sample the quality of water in local rivers, streams, and ditches for common nitrate and phosphate pollutants that indicate poor water quality.
In last year’s RiverBlitz, more than 130 volunteers collected 202 samples across the region.
They found high levels of nitrates in the River Frome at Lincombe Barn woods and close to Frenchay Bridge, as well as the streams through Lincombe Barn woods and Leap Valley.
High levels of phosphates were found in the Frome at Moorend.
Full details of all previous surveys can be found online at bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz.
This year people are being asked to pick a spot at their local river or stream and sign up between June 1 and June 28 at tinyurl.com/5xj9nycn for a free water quality testing kit, which includes everything needed to sample water and accurately record data.
BART chief executive Simon Hunter said: “We believe that understanding the true state of our rivers requires evidence.
“The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz is a powerful example of how local communities can come together to protect and restore our rivers.
“Every sample collected helps build a clearer picture of the health of our waterways, providing a dataset that highlights the potential issues and opportunities across the catchment.
“We’re proud to have championed citizen science for over eight years at the Trust, recognising the vital role it plays in shaping a healthier future for the Bristol Avon and its wildlife.”
The cost of the project is being part-funded by Wessex Water.