06
Nov
Volunteers wanted to map pollution in River Nidd
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A group dedicated to improving water quality in local waterways has put out a call for volunteers to help map sources of pollution.
Nidd Action Group is looking for 'citizen scientists’ to work in pairs, recording where water and effluent is entering the Nidd.
A similar exercise on Harrogate tributaries of the Nidd, led by the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust recently, found that nearly half the drainage pipes that flow into Oak Beck and Bilton Beck are polluting the water.
Volunteers for the Nidd project would undergo online training, walk agreed stretches of the river, make observations, take photos, and upload the results. Routes will be accessible and no wading will be required.
NAG chair David Clayden said:
The data collected in the outfall safari will help establish 15-20 sites along the river where regular monitoring will be introduced to sample for E.coli, pharmaceuticals, metals and nutrients.
This is a much bigger range of samples than citizen scientists have previously been able to submit data for.
Nidd Action Group volunteers in action on Oak Beck.
NAG is also working with the AQuA project led by the University of York, to support the development of tools for citizen scientists to monitor rivers for pollutants.
Mr Clayden added:
Before we apply the AQuA modern and extensive sampling kit to Yorkshire rivers – with NAG being the citizen science group responsible for survey work on the Nidd – we need to document and map the variety of outfalls contributing pollution to the Nidd.
NAG was formed three years ago by a coalition of fly-fishermen, ecologists and others, who had noticed a recent decline in water cleanliness and river health, and set out to reverse it.
Anyone wanting to volunteer for the Nidd outfall safari or who would like more information, should contact NAG at info@niddactiongroup.org.
A public meeting to present the findings of the Harrogate Outfall Safari project will be held at St Peter's Church in Harrogate on Wednesday, November 26 at 6pm. You can find more information and book free tickets here.
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