SmartRivers: Citizen Science for Chalk Streams and Beyond

Beneath the surface of Hampshire’s chalk streams, the water practically teems with wildlife. Tiny creatures thrive in this cool, oxygen-rich habitat, and in turn feed larger ones like the iconic brown trout. But the water isn’t always as clean as it looks, and in many places subtle pollutants are having a devastating effect on river ecosystems.

The SmartRivers initiative, led by Salmon & Trout Conservation, uses invertebrate monitoring like a river ‘blood test’ to identify the presence and impact of subtle pollution. It equips volunteer hubs to identify invertebrates at species level and perform surveys at designated local sites. These results provide crucial information about the health of the UK’s rivers.

In this online talk, Lauren Harley from Salmon & Trout Conservation will introduce us to SmartRivers and explain its role in protecting our local chalk streams. Learn what invertebrates can tell us about water quality, how the project monitors them, how the resulting data is used, and how you can get involved.

This event is part of Watercress and Winterbournes, a Landscape Partnership Scheme that is protecting, enhancing, and celebrating seven local chalk streams – learn more.

Image credit: Ross Hoddinott/2020Vision