Join us at Grange Park to monitor river geomorphology and invertebrates, establishing a baseline ahead of upcoming restoration works!

Join us for a day of citizen science at Grange Park as we help build a picture of the ditch's condition ahead of upcoming restoration works!

This field day will bring together citizen scientists, supported by experienced MoRPh CSci trainers and ZSL staff, to survey the ditch ahead of its planned restoration.

Together, we'll assess the physical habitat using the Modular River Physical Habitat Survey (MoRPh CSci) (https://modularriversurvey.org/morph-citizen-science/) methodology, before exploring the fascinating world of aquatic invertebrates through a Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (RMI) (https://www.riverflies.org/riverfly-monitoring-initiative-rmi) session.

Why are we monitoring the site?

Restoration works are planned at Grange Park to improve the ditch's habitat and create better conditions for wildlife. By surveying the site before work begins, we can establish a baseline against which to assess future changes and understand how the ditch responds to restoration.

MoRPh surveys help us assess the physical features and condition of the channel, while RMI sampling provides valuable information about the aquatic invertebrates living within it. Species such as mayflies, caddisflies and freshwater shrimp are important indicators of freshwater health, helping us understand how these habitats are functioning and supporting wildlife. If you would like to find out more about MoRPh, please watch this introductory video: https://www.loom.com/share/c592437945964dfc8005ae694d080527 (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loom.com%2Fshare%2Fc592437945964dfc8005ae694d080527&data=05%7C02%7CElla.Carbery-Tarrant%40zsl.org%7C7a674017758d44ddfdb308df2dc1e2c3%7C7d16a112fecf4031b1993c9c892bcc9c%7C0%7C0%7C639279982903817804%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SdXukpSB5U07j2eTBImyr0JXpjiLKovv%2BZF%2BjsNl%2BAM%3D&reserved=0)

The information collected will contribute to the long-term monitoring of the restoration project and help guide future watercourse improvements across the Crane Catchment.

Who is this event for?

This is a relaxed and supportive group activity, with experienced volunteers, MoRPh trainers from Cartographer and ZSL staff on hand throughout the day. Whether you're looking to develop your citizen science skills, connect with others who care about local nature, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, we'd love to have you join us.

The survey day is designed for trained MoRPh surveyors of all experience levels, but newcomers are also very welcome. If you're completely new to MoRPh, you'll have the opportunity to learn about habitat monitoring, see how surveys are carried out and take part in other activities throughout the day.

This event is organised collaboratively by ZSL and Cartographer with support from the London Borough of Hillingdon.

Important Information

What do I need to bring with me?

All data collection sheets will be provided on the day. Please bring along a MoRPH field guide if you have one (we can provide these if not!)

MoRPh CSci is a bank side method and you will not be entering the water. However, please wear appropriate footwear (wellies are usually best - but walking boots can suffice) and long trousers/sleeves (the survey site can be a little overgrown with nettles and brambles so best to avoid any stings and scratches!)

Please pack a lunch and some water.

Timings for the day

10:30am meet at Grange Park for an introduction to the site, the restoration work that is soon to be carried out and health an safety briefing.

11:00am start surveying!!

Finish MoRPh survey ~2:30pm (with break for lunch)

Riverfly group sampling 2:30 - 3:30pm

Meeting Point

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9GreCyqwBuwegGYB7 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9GreCyqwBuwegGYB7)

Numbers are limited & booking is essential!

Please send any questions to: Ella.Carbery-Tarrant@zsl.org

If tickets run out - *PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITING LIST IN CASE OF CANCELLATIONS !*

*you must be over 18 to attend this event.

Description supplied by the event organiser.