Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) has announced the dates for the annual Bristol Avon RiverBlitz. From July 5th to July 12th, 2024, everyone in the Bristol Avon area is invited to participate in sampling the local rivers, streams and ditches.
To support existing data sets and help fill in the gaps in data across the Bristol Avon, BART has partnered with volunteers to collect data on river health. The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz plays a key role in this effort, enabling extensive data collection over a short period.
During the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, volunteers gather nutrient data and document observations at their chosen sampling sites. This data significantly enhances BART’s knowledge of local rivers. The information collected by the volunteers helps BART identify pristine waters, pinpoint pollution hotspots and provide a comprehensive overview of water quality and river health. The data from this event, along with previous years, is available at Bristol Avon RiverBlitz.
The RiverBlitz is also a fantastic way for volunteers to connect with nature, explore nearby rivers and get to know the vibrant wildlife that inhabits these areas.
“The RiverBlitz is a wonderful opportunity for people to get actively involved in monitoring their local watercourses,” said Simon Hunter, CEO of BART. “It helps us better understand the condition of our water environment and guides future protection efforts.
“The data collected by our volunteers allows us to identify areas most at risk and determine where management and restoration efforts will be most effective. Our volunteers are part of a growing citizen science movement that underscores the importance of local stewardship in safeguarding our valuable freshwater resources and ecosystems.”
Volunteers have been asked to sign up before July 1st to receive a free water quality testing kit in time for RiverBlitz week. The kit includes everything they need to conduct a RiverBlitz at a chosen river site, along with detailed instructions on how to accurately collect the data.
To register for the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz 2024, please follow this link: https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz/register
BART will also be hosting two in-person events where participants can collect their kits and learn how to undertake sampling in person. Details for the events are located on the registration page.
BART extend its thanks to the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, Bristol Airport Community Fund, Schroder Charity Trust, Frognal Trust, Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council, Avon Wildlife Trust and the Big Give for generously funding this year’s event.