Learn how to identify and record abundances of freshwater invertebrates as a Riverfly monitor.

Riverfly monitoring is a citizen science survey that uses the invertebrate life of the rivers as a measure of river health. The survey technique involves kick sampling in the river, then identifying 8 groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates which are indicators of river health.

After the training session, you can adopt a designated Riverfly site on any river closest to you to survey on a monthly basis. If you are already connected with your local rivers group, please let us know, if not we can connect you with a local group so you can join in.

Learn more about the Riverfly method through the Chilterns, Hertfordshire and Middlesex Riverfly Hub. (https://www.colnecan.org.uk/index.php/riverfly-monitoring)

The Chilterns Chalk Stream Project (https://www.chilternstreams.org/our-work/citizen-science-hub/) have organised the Spring Riverfly monitoring training day for Saturday 17th October, 09:00 - 17:00 at Restore Hope, Latimer Park (HP5 1TU). The training day will roughly follow the below schedule:

T heory sessions

09:00 - Welcome

09:15 - Introduction and context

10:00 - The Anglers' Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (ARMI)

10:25 - ARMI in practice

1 0:45 - Tea/coffee break

11:00 - Target groups - life history & ecology

12:15 - Lunch

Practical Sessions

13:00 - Introduction to fieldwork & site selection

13:20 - Fieldwork

15:00 - Identification

16:30 - Summary

17:00 - Finish

On the day you will be provided with all the resources for species idenitification, health & safety and so much more. If required, you will be provided the equipment needed ( net, tray bucket etc). The £35 cost of attendance is a small subsidy towards these costs. If you are joining a partner you may not need the equipment or it may be given out by your riverfly co-ordinator at a later date. This can be discussed at booking/ on training day.

All you need to bring is knee-high wellies/waders, suitable clothing and a packed lunch; we'll provide you with tea/coffee and biscuits.

Booking will close Monday 12th October but book your spot quickly to secure your place.

Please direct any queries to: chalkstreams@chilterns.org.uk

Description supplied by the event organiser.