Sharing stories of why the River Kent is so special is key to safeguarding its future; from knowledge comes understanding, which is then followed by action to help improve and protect
Words & photos: Kath Smith, Engagement Officer
At South Cumbria Rivers Trust, we engage with local schools in a variety of ways. Gone are the days of just a talk with slides – our presentations are interactive and we provide opportunities to see the river for real in order to look for freshwater invertebrates, bullhead, salmon, and trout. We want the children (and adults) to be excited and wowed by freshwater species – after all, what’s not to love about a 100 year old shellfish, a bullhead or a tiny trout?
Trout in the classroom
With this in mind, South Cumbria Rivers Trust are running a pilot project, called “Trout in the Classroom” and St Thomas’s CE Primary School in Kendal were chosen to host this project – many thanks, Mr Pemberton!
We set up a tank in Year 5’s classroom, complete with external chiller and filter. The class will be responsible for monitoring, changing water, and charting the progress of trout from egg to alevin and then to fry. Once the fry are swimming around, the children will then release the trout into a nearby river.
Trout and salmon are crucial to the survival of freshwater pearl mussels
Firstly, we gave a presentation so that the class learnt all about trout, including why trout and salmon are crucial to the survival of freshwater pearl mussels, and how to look after their trout. We also provided an information and activity pack.
In the next couple of weeks, brown trout eggs will be placed in the tank and the class will see a life cycle unfold before their eyes.
The children are very excited, Mr Pemberton is very excited and so are we, as Trout in the Classroom gets underway!
