Local charity Strandliners have organised two sessions to test the water quality in the river Rother next week. Their Community River Watch initiative will take place in Rye and Iden and volunteers are needed.
A spokesperson for Strandliners explained why the project to test the water has been set up: “Our aim for this year is is to continue with more extensive training to enable groups to continue monitoring the same areas on a regular basis, promoting an awareness of seasonal changes and knowing what is ‘normal’ so an alert can be raised if there is an unexpected change.”
What wildlife will there be to see? “At this time of year butterflies are emerging, birds are arriving from their winter retreats, trees are unfurling their leaves, and bluebells are blooming. Every day is different and we can catch glimpses of our surroundings changing. Kingfishers, egrets, swallows and even swifts are some of the birds to look out for. We can also learn about the dragonflies and butterflies can that be found along the water’s edge.”
The project in Rother was set up through funding with a Making It Happen grant from Rother Voluntary Action. Strandliners is working with community groups and individuals for waterside walks and simple surveys in their local area. The charity undertakes simple water quality monitoring and observes wildlife, and the data collected builds a picture of river health across the Rother catchment.
On Thursday, April 24 there’s water testing session at Monk Bretton Bridge in Rye from 10am – noon. This is a drop-in session and a chance to enjoy a view of the river Rother as it nears the end of its journey. The exact What3Words location is besotted.pays.oaks.
On Saturday, April 26 the volunteers will be New Bridge, Wittersham Road, Iden between 2pm and 4pm. It’s another drop-in session, but this time further upstream. What3Words: waltzed.caressing.channel
No registration necessary – just come along and join in.
You can find out more about Strandliners here.
Image Credits: Strandliners .