The Westcountry Rivers Trust is an environmental charity established in 1995 to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of the rivers, streams, watercourses and water impoundments in the Westcountry and to advance the education of the public in the management of water. Their philosophy is to work in partnership with individuals and organisations, sharing expertise and information, encouraging joint solutions to the complex environmental problems our society currently faces. BBC Radio Cornwall's Afternoon Presenter Emma Lloyd interviewed Laurence Couldrick, the project manager for higher education at the Westcountry Rivers Trust. By using a sample of the River Fal, Laurence was able to explain to Emma what is happening in the river by identifying the invertebrates that live there. The sample also gives information about the whole ecosystem and about the river basin catchment as a whole.
 | | BBC's Emma Lloyd interviews Laurence Couldrick |
Laurence explained, "If there are healthy invertebrates living in the water in the lower points of the river it means that the water is of good quality, not only in that section of the river, but everywhere above. It also means that the uses of the land ie, agricultural, industry and the urban environment are all functioning properly". A mayfly nymph was found in the sample - a sign that the River Fal is of very good quality as these invertebrates don't survive in polluted water. This also means that the water is of a high enough standard to support the adult fish population. This is evident in the fact that salmon have recently returned to these waters for the first time in 25 years. | "If we find healthy invertebrates in the water it means the water is of good quality" | | Laurence Couldrick |
If you are interested in becoming a rivers expert, The Rivers Trust runs a huge variety of courses throughout the year tailored to all the different interests. They run one day courses in everything from Freshwater Ecology and River Basin Management to summer courses including a Foundation Degree in Sustainable River Basin Management which is run in cooperation with Duchy College in Stoke Climsland.
Click on their website to find out more about the Rivers Trust and the courses they run :
Westcountry Rivers Trust >
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