Citizen Scientists Needed
Citizen scientists are contributing to our knowledge of Chilterns chalk streams and monitoring the changes that are taking place.
Citizen science is the involvement of the public in scientific research – from community-driven surveys to global investigations. It relies on an army of volunteers of all ages and abilities. So, whether you have skills and knowledge you’d like to share, or you’ve never collected data before and want to learn more, why not give it a go?
A few of our volunteer teams could do with some help at the moment.
- Flow Monitoring (River Chess)
- Riverfly Monitoring (various)
- Modular River Surveys (MoRPh) – (Hamble Brook and Hughenden Stream)
You don’t need any particular experience or qualifications to become a citizen scientist, just an interest in your local river. Full training is given and you will be supported by staff or members of local groups. There’s more information on the citizen science page of our website. Please contact us if you would like to find out more.
Flow Monitoring
Where?
On the River Chess in the Chesham area
How much time commitment is it?
½ a day, once a month
What’s involved?
Working with at least one other volunteer you’ll need to enter the river with a flow meter to take readings. Water depth varies but mostly below welly height – you may need to use waders for some sites. It is fair to say the process takes a while to get used to and there are steps and procedures to follow, but it is straightforward once you are familiar with the equipment and process. You will receive guidance at all stages.
I am interested who should I contact?
Riverfly
Where?
We are particularly keen to hear from potential volunteers near the River Wye and Hughenden Stream, although this survey takes place throughout the Chilterns and new volunteers on any river are always welcome.
How much time commitment is it?
1-2 hours, once a month
What’s involved?
Working in a pair you will need to enter the river to carry out a 3-minute kick sample to collect invertebrates from the river and riverbed using a net. You will then identify key groups of river invertebrates and estimate their numbers. You will need to attend a one-day training course to learn how to do this, but may wish to join in with a trained pair for a few sessions first to find out if this is for you. Details of the next course are available in our events listing. Watch this short film to find out more.
I am interested, who should I contact?
Modular River Surveys (MoRPh)
Where?
Hamble Brook and Hughenden Stream
How much time commitment is it?
This one is quite flexible. We usually survey a project site over 2 or 3 non-consecutive days within a month and then return to the same site 6 months later to repeat the process. Each survey takes 30 to 60 minutes to conduct, and you are free to join for as many survey days as you choose.
What’s involved?
This is a bankside activity, so you do not need to enter the water. Following training you will work through a survey form to record vegetation, physical features and sediment within the channel and on the riverbanks. We are using Modular River Survey to track how restorations of different river sections have changed the biodiversity and hydrogeomorphology (physical shape and structure) of the river. Our volunteers survey a project site before work is carried out and afterwards to assess the impact of the changes.
I am interested, who should I contact?
Get in touch via chalkstreamsvolunteers@chilterns.org.uk if you would like to find out more.