Bristol Avon WaterBlitz 2020

BART are thrilled to announce that we will be running our annual citizen science event: the Bristol Avon WaterBlitz. BART is working in partnership with FreshWater Watch, a global programme developed by the environmental NGO, Earthwatch, that enables volunteers to help monitor the health of our rivers and streams during Summer and early Autumn 2020.

Thanks to support from the Avon Frome Partnership the event returns bigger than ever before, providing the opportunity for volunteers to collect water samples from their local watercourse to contribute towards developing a snapshot of water quality across the Bristol Avon catchment.

BART continues to work with partners to improve our rivers for the benefit of people and wildlife, and one of the most significant obstacles to healthy rivers is water quality; in particular the high levels of contaminants impacting our freshwater ecosystems.

BART are seeking enthusiastic volunteers during August and September to take samples during their time spent near the river; whether it’s during daily exercise, rambling, fishing, or while exploring for the best sampling spot.

As a citizen scientist you will sample your chosen river or stream using our free and simple-to-use water testing kits which will be provided by us when you sign up to the project. By uploading your results to the FreshWater Watch website, an interactive map of the catchment will demonstrate the distribution of samples taken as well as helping to identify areas for further investigations and future conservation efforts.

The 2020 Bristol Avon WaterBlitz is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our river ecosystems and it is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in green and blue spaces following a challenging few months during lockdown. We can’t wait to get some fresh air and connect with the wildlife during this lovely time of year having been largely confined to the indoors!

Keep an eye out for social media and website updates as we will be posting the sign up link very soon. Alternatively please email george@bristolavonriverstrust.org to receive an email alert when sign up is available.

After signing up you will receive a free WaterBlitz pack which will contain:
• Sampling instructions and interpretation notes
• Covid-19 safety guidelines
• Sample containers
• 2 testing tubes: for a nitrate and phosphate sample
• Water quality colour charts

The 2019 WaterBlitz was hugely successful, with 424 volunteers taking part and sampling at 164 sites across the Bristol Avon catchment. You can view the results here.

If you are member of a local community group or private organisation and would like to get your team involved in the project please get in touch to request multiple kits to distribute to interested members.

BART look forward to welcoming you back onto the river for this exciting project.

Please get in touch with George, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust Project Officer, at george@bristolavonriverstrust.org for more information about this year’s project or for details on how you can support future events.