A look at some of our volunteer citizen scientists
Each of our citizen scientist tests for: Electroconductivity, Temperature (ambient and water), Phosphate, Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite, Turbidity (clarity of the water)
They are also asked to record their observations on algal blooms, signs of pollution, vegetation, erosion, animal & plant species etc
Gareth Williams
Pill Brook, Olway Brook, Clawdd Brook, Ffrwd Brook, Ochram Brook, Gavenny River
When I first retired, I was looking after my mum 24/7. She’s now in a home and I found myself with time on my hands. Initially I just went fishing, but there is only so much fishing you can do! I realised I needed something worthwhile to do, I researched soup kitchens and other volunteering but I then saw the Citizen Science opportunity with Gwent Wildlife Trust. I’ve been with them for a year now. I have a real affinity with wildlife and nature so this really appeals.
I test 6 sites, which could take a whole day and a 40-mile round trip, but I break it down over 2 days and do some on my way to go shopping or to see mum.
Cath Roberts
Afon Tarrell
I spend lots of time outdoors and especially walking along this stretch of river and I’m interested in understanding what is happening with the river.
Now that I am a Citizen Scientist for the CaSTCo project I pay more attention when I am walking along the river to what’s going on and what I can see.
The Citizen science sampling has been really interesting and I enjoy meeting up as a group, to find out what they are finding and seeing on their patches.
It is great I am able to provide evidence and information, as we hear so much more about rivers and health, but we do need measurements and to data to back up that information to see how it varies over the course the Usk. I feel proud that the data I collect is helping answer the questions being asked and being used to supplement the other information that is out there.
Nicola and Tony Boggust
Ewen Brook and Rhiangoll
Tony
We have lived here for over 20 years and when we first came there were lots of fish and insects in the river. We’ve noticed the decline and there are no longer fish in this river.
We used to come out at night, with a torch, and watch the fish fluttering about but we don’t see that anymore. We’ve also seen a decline in insects, especially the dragonflies and damsels. This leads us to ask ‘What’s happening? Why is there a decline in the insects and fish life in the river?’
That’s why we joined the CaSTCo Citizen Science programme, so we can help learn more and help gather data to answer those questions.
Nicola
I felt quite angry really that the rivers were losing their quality. I’d heard what the Government officials were saying but they didn’t seem to have enough evidence as to why the rivers were losing their quality. I felt that becoming a citizen scientist could help get that evidence.
I am lucky to live next to a lovely stream, but have noticed the decline in the insects and fish over the 20 years we have lived here.
It is too easy to sit back, but now I feel we are part of the action being taken to clear up the rivers.
Tim Henson
Honddu and Afon Tarrell
I’ve carried out about 130 tests since I’ve been part of the CaSTCo citizen science programme. I test 2 sites and I like to think I have a good grasp of what is going on with the river. If what I am doing on my 2 sites is replicated across the whole Usk catchment, we are providing really good data to work from.
Why do I do it? I enjoy being outside and its great excuse to walk up here once a week. I am interested in what is happening to our rivers and the quality of the water, and if there is anything I can do to help improve that, then it’s a good thing.
The CaSTCo Citizen Science programme has given a really good picture of the Usk Catchment and I think it will allow the bright people to see where the pinch points and issues with the water are, and then they can address them.
Kate Norris and Jacquie King
Main stem, River Usk
Jacquie
I’ve lived here for 20 years and I can see the river changing. I feel that people aren’t realising why it’s changing. So, it was interesting to hear that Gwent Wildlife were advertising for volunteers to help monitor the river. They explained exactly what the volunteering would entail and it was testing the water quality of the river.
I’ve noticed that the fishing is changing. I’m not a fisherman. I’m a fisherman’s wife. There are plenty of trout, but no salmon. In fact, people haven’t caught salmon now for over a year and you want to try and explain why. So, it’s interesting to know that we’d be able to get some information about the quality of the water.
Hopefully, it’ll demonstrate that there’s a problem with the quality of the water, and the evidence is there for something to be done about it. I’m very lucky to be able to spend the time doing it. It’s actually quite interesting because you feel you’re being a scientist. You’re doing quite meticulous testing. Plus, it’s such a pleasant environment to be able to sit and enjoy every week and see the wildlife. It’s very satisfying.
Kate
Not everybody has got an hour a week, but if you do, I think it’s quite nice to be part of a bigger picture. Personally, I’m interested in knowing what’s going on with the river, why the decline is happening and what can we as individuals do about it.
There are quite a few citizen scientists now, which is really great. We get opportunities for training in things like Otter ID and river fly recognition which feels like a bonus for volunteering as a citizen scientist.
We have encountered a little bit of scepticism of how accurate our data is, but I think it’s becoming widely known now that the data is pretty accurate. The Water Blitzes, we’ve taken part in all 3 of them, have helped to establish this, and it’s nice to be part of something a bigger than yourself
