A CITIZEN science project which focuses on the invertebrates found in Scotland’s rivers has been launched.
The Guardians of our Rivers project from Buglife Scotland will train local communities to recognise and understand the important invertebrates that live in the country’s rivers by employing survey and monitoring techniques used by scientists.
It is hoped that the citizen scientists will help the charity discover more about the health of Scotland’s freshwater environments, as the health of insect life can often act as an early warning system that highlights water quality issues.
Rebecca Lewis, Guardians of our Rivers project officer said: “Freshwater invertebrates play a vital role as the canaries of our rivers, but they are often overlooked.
“This new project will bring them into the spotlight, allowing local people to learn about them and use them to assess the health of their local river.”
Natalie Stevenson, Buglife Scotland manager, continued: “We are delighted to be able to launch this project and support local communities look after their rivers, at a time where nature, climate and pollution are all so critical”
The charity said that as well as helping scientists understand the health of local ecosystems the project will provide opportunity to explore the natural world and meet new people.
Everything required to become a local River Guardian will be provided by the charity, along with a package of support to help community groups become confident and sustainable when conducting their monitoring.
Conservationist and angler network the Riverfly Partnership, who are also involved in delivering the project, said it is much needed at a time when the health of the UK’s water is being questioned.
Riverfly Partnership’s Trine Bregstein said: “The Guardians of our Rivers project is exactly what we need currently; a way for people to engage with their natural surroundings, become custodians of their rivers, connect with each other and feel empowered to enact positive change.
“The Riverfly Partnership warmly welcomes this project and its expansion all over Scotland.”
Buglife would like to hear from schools, organisations, groups or individuals of all abilities and backgrounds who would like to get involved.
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