Riverfly Monitor
Ballinderry Rivers Trust
- Age: 18
- Site within the Ballinderry River Catchment Area
- This role requires being physically able to carry some equipment and enter into the river to complete the sample.
Hours
After training, you will be provided with a site within the Ballinderry River Catchment Area, to complete your survey each month. Approx 1 hour per month
Where we are
Ballinderry River
About the Volunteer Opportunity
Riverfly Monitoring is a hands-on citizen science project that involves regularly checking the health of rivers and streams by surveying aquatic invertebrates, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. These species are sensitive to pollution, so changes in their numbers can give early warning signs of water quality issues.
As a volunteer, you’ll take part in monthly monitoring sessions at a local river or stream. The process involves:
- Kick sampling- Using a net to gently disturb the riverbed and collect invertebrates.
- Identification- Sorting and identifying key groups of riverflies using simple guides.
- Scoring- Recording your findings and submitting them to a central database.
- Follow-up- If results suggest a pollution incident, your data can trigger further investigation by environmental authorities.
Training is provided, and you’ll usually work in pairs or small groups. It’s a great way to learn new skills, enjoy nature, and help protect freshwater ecosystems for wildlife and future generations.
After training, you will be provided with a site within the Ballinderry River Catchment Area, to complete your survey each month.
About the Organisation
Ballinderry Rivers Trust is dedicated to the conservation of the Ballinderry River, its freshwater species and habitats, its fisheries and the education and empowerment of the catchment community in the protection of the river.
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Register your interest
Volunteers may be required to complete an Access NI disclosure for some volunteering roles. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a volunteer position.