Become a Riverfly Monitor
Riverfly Monitoring is a citizen science programme that helps detect pollution and protect river health by monitoring aquatic invertebrates.
As a volunteer, you will be monitoring eight groups of pollution-sensitive aquatic invertebrates, including mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies—collectively known as riverflies.
Because these invertebrates are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, their abundance can provide an early warning of a potential pollution incident. Monitoring also helps us build a long-term picture of river health and understand how invertebrate populations change over time.
What will I be doing?
You will:
- Visit the same stretch of river each month.
- Collect a simple three-minute sample from the riverbed.
- Identify and record the eight ARMI invertebrate groups.
- Submit your results after every visit.
If your results fall below an agreed trigger level, they can be escalated so that the cause can be investigated and appropriate action taken.
How much time will it take?
Riverfly Monitoring requires a regular monthly commitment. We ask volunteers to:
- Survey the same site once every month- this takes a couple of hours to do, and includes identifying and counting the 8 different groups of freshwater invertebrates.
- Fill in a short online form after every visit, detailing what invertebrates and how many you found.
Consistent monthly monitoring is important because it allows us to identify significant changes and respond to possible problems.
Where will I be volunteering?
Riverfly Monitoring takes place across the Bristol Avon catchment, with volunteers surveying rivers and streams throughout the region.
We particularly welcome interest in areas where there are gaps in the existing monitoring network. Sites are offered according to availability, suitability and current monitoring priorities. We will try to match you with an appropriate site near your preferred area, but we cannot guarantee that a vacancy will be available there.
How will I be trained?
No previous experience is required. We provide the training, equipment and ongoing support you need to carry out Riverfly surveys confidently. Training consists of an theory course and exam (delivered online) and a follow up practical training session. The practical is a hands-on session that involves spending a morning with a Riverfly Tutor out on the river learning how to safely collect a Riverfly sample and making sure you are confident in identifying river invertebrates. We deliver multiple training sessions each year, typically in the summer months.
Who can become a Riverfly Monitor?
Anyone with an interest in rivers and wildlife can get involved—whether volunteering independently, with friends or family, or as part of a local group.
We currently support more than 50 volunteers carrying out monthly Riverfly surveys and are working to extend the network to more rivers across the catchment.
Would you like to be added to the Riverfly Monitor waitlist?
Please complete the form below to register your interest. You can use the map below to tell us which area you would prefer to monitor. Please note, once you have submitted the form, you will be added to our Riverfly waitlist. You will then be notified of any upcoming training sessions.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Riverfly Monitoring network and working together to protect the Bristol Avon catchment.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by emailing jess@bristolavonriverstrust.org.