Join us to become a citizen scientist and help monitor the health of our river systems!
To support with monitoring the impact of the Findhorn Watershed Initiative and the wider health of our river catchment, the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust is delighted to be aiming to establish a Citizen Science Invertebrate monitoring programme.
To help get us started, Buglife are generously providing free training opportunities via their Guardians of Our Rivers initiative.
This citizen scientist training is formed of two parts - an online theory session, followed by an in person and riverside practical training. Volunteers can choose which of the date and location options below to join, at their convenience.
Training dates:
Online theory – one of two options:
Monday 11th March, 10.00-13.00, or
Wednesday 13th March, 18.00-21.00
Practical training – one of two options:
Upper catchment: Wednesday 20th March, in Tomatin, 10.00-13.00, or
Lower catchment: Saturday 6th April, near Logie Steading, 10.00-13.00
About this opportunity:
Training will be delivered by Buglife’s qualified Riverfly Partnership trainer, offering certified training to volunteers, as part of creating a network of Citizen Scientists across Scotland.
They will provide training and support on how to:
monitor and survey rivers for invertebrates;
identify species of invertebrates;
share stories and lessons learnt between communities;
spot early warning signs of habitats in crisis, e.g., from pollution or climate change;
and record their findings to environmental agencies and recording schemes.
Trained groups will then work with FNLRT, Buglife and SEPA to establish monitoring sites. Data collected will be entered into an opensource UK wide database.
Once established, groups will have access to ongoing support and information to help them become confident and secure with the methods and identification of the invertebrates found in their rivers.
All equipment will be provided, and participation is free of charge.