The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz (formally Waterblitz) returns for the sixth consecutive year this July want to help Midsomer Norton?
Water - and water quality so much in the news so Midsomer Norton can you help ?
BART is calling upon all experienced and wannabe citizen scientists to get involved by registering your details on their website to receive water sampling kits in the post in readiness to sample a local watercourse. The data will shed a light on the health and condition of our rivers and streams across the catchment during the week long Blitz.
BART are seeking enthusiastic volunteers between 11th-18th July to help take river water samples to determine levels of nitrate and phosphate levels as well as recording other river quality indicators, such as habitat and invasive weeds. Whether you are going for a stroll with your dog, friends or family; or simply enjoying being outside on a nice sunny summer's day (we hope!) then you can easily get involved.
So what does the role of a RiverBlitz citizen scientist involve?
As a citizen scientist you will sample a site along your local river or stream using our free and simple-to-use water testing kits which will be provided by the team when you sign up to the project. The water testing kits will test for nitrate and phosphate levels, providing a high-level indication of these nutrient levels at that point. An increase of nutrient levels in a river can artificially stimulate plant and weed growth, as well as algae. Algae uses up valuable oxygen in the river and blocks out light and smothers riverbed gravels, which can impact the local wildlife that depends on the river, such as invertebrates and fish.
So why help?
Once the samples have been completed you will upload your results to the new RiverBlitz data entry sheet and these results will be published on The Bristol Avon Waterblitz Explorer. Check out the data explorer to find out how the health of your local river or stream has changed during the past five years of the RiverBlitz events. This interactive map of the catchment demonstrates the distribution of samples taken as well as helping to identify areas for further investigations and future conservation efforts.
The 2022 Bristol Avon RiverBlitz is a great opportunity to reconnect with your favourite river; or for those who have found a hidden gem wanting to have an excuse to revisit, all your hard work will contribute towards us building a better understanding our local rivers. So, sign up for your free, easy to use water sampling kit, get involved, get outside and immerse yourself for the benefit of our rivers!
The date of the event in Midsomer Norton : Cam & Wellow Brooks: Saturday 16th July – Midsomer Norton Town Park, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton
Or you can drop into River Blitz event at the park on July 9th from 10am until 2pm to find out more and to pick up a water sampling kit
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