Citizen Science Hub
Volunteers are vital to the work of Mersey Rivers Trust, as without them, we would not be able to achieve even half of our objectives. As a trust, we cover the whole of the Mersey Basin, and so our volunteers vastly increase the capacity of our trust by being our eyes and ears on the ground in various ways. We use the information collected by our River Guardians to support the development and delivery of our projects through data analysis. We used several different national citizen science methods to collect various types of data.
River Guardian Activities
Every minute of volunteer time is very much appreciated, and you can set your commitment to do only as much as you can manage without any pressure from us.
All necessary tools and training are provided, along with ongoing support throughout your time volunteering with us.
Water Sampling
Our volunteers are trained as citizen scientists to monitor the water quality of their local rivers. They are given kits to test the water for Nitrates, Phosphates, Ammonia, turbidity and temperature.
Citizen science: Water Quality
RMI Riverfly
Our trained volunteers use their feet to disturb the material on the riverbed to release invertebrates, and then collect them using a net. The types and quantities of invertebrates present provide an insight into the health of the river.
Citizen Science: Riverfly
Outfall Safaris
Volunteers are trained in walkover surveys to locate outfalls and identify types of point source pollution. This gives us an idea of what is entering the river and potential water quality issues that may occur.
Citizen Science: Outfall Safari
MoRPh
Trained volunteers conduct a geomorphological survey to look at the way water flows, why the water flows, and obstacles to the water flow.
Citizen Science: MoRPh
Leaky Dam Monitoring
Volunteers help keep track of the leaky dams we've installed in their local waterway, to see when the leaky dams need maintenance and what happens when there is high water levels.
Leaky Dam Monitoring
Water Blitz
Volunteers collect water samples from a sub-catchment to use Hanna Checkers to analyse the ammonia and phosphate levels, to gather a snapshot view of the water quality across the sub-catchment.
Citizen science: Water Quality
Urban Riverfly
Our trained volunteers use their feet to disturb the material on the riverbed, releasing invertebrates, and then collect them using a net. Urban riverfly looks at more species than RMI riverfly and reflects a more accurate insight into the health of urban rivers.
Citizen Science: Riverfly
We need your help
This video shows some of our volunteers being trained in collecting and testing water samples.
Thank you to our friends at the Rivers Trust for producing this video, which showcases the wonderful work our volunteers do.
Filmed 19/02/2018 at Poise Brook in Hazel Grove Golf Club, Stockport.
Become a River Guardian
These are activities that people of all abilities can get involved in.
The work is very varied and rewarding, as you make a difference in your local environment. It is also an excellent way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors with like-minded people.
You can gain experience through working parties, gain skills through our training courses for citizen scientists, or gain certified qualifications for those who wish to undertake more formal learning.
CaSTCo
Our rivers need our collective action, backed by evidence. CaSTCo (Catchment Systems Thinking Cooperative) is building a shared understanding of monitoring data, enabling citizen scientists to work alongside professionals in restoring rivers together.
CaSTCo brings together the expertise and backing from more than 30 organisations nationwide, including community and local partnerships, water companies, environmental charities, regulators, technical experts, academics, and the private sector. Together, we’re demonstrating how citizen science and community monitoring methods can be used in conjunction with professional monitoring to generate and share high-quality, accessible data, leading to better and more impactful decisions.
