Visitors are given a taste of the ways we use science to underpin our work
Our Ribble Rivers Trust Heritage Open Day on Saturday 14th September was a great success, attracting hundreds of visitors who took part in fun family activities whilst learning more about the work we have done over the past 20 years.
Displays included our technology themed tent, where our GIS Officer Ellie, Fisheries Officer Adam, and Catchment Science Co-ordinator Mike showcased equipment including our drone and electrofishing kit. Our staff gave demonstrations to visitors showing how the equipment works, and how science is applied to our projects. This science and research helps to ensure the work we carry out is targeting the right places and can test how beneficial our physical river improvements are.
Families are shown our river table- a fun way of demonstrating how rivers work
The trailers we bought and decorated thanks to the Greggs Foundation and Heritage Lottery Fund also featured on the day. In one trailer we had our Education Officer Emily and Capital Works Officer Adam who ran our river table- much to the delight of our younger visitors! The river table is designed to imitate a river’s natural geomorphology and the effects of human influences on river processes, both good and bad.
Our volunteer trailer was occupied by our Volunteer Supervisor Jonny and Apprentices Michelle and Ryan. Together they were on hand to demonstrate the various activities our volunteers undertake, as well as running activities such as the litter pick relay race, which brought out the competitive side in our staff.
The SuDs house gave visitors ideas on how to make the homes water friendly
The Trust were also lucky enough to have borrowed a Sustainable Drainage (SuDs) house from the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust. The model house demonstrates the small differences houses can make to help reduce household pollution and save water. The SuDs house was operated by our Communities and Engagement Officer Helen, who also took charge of the ever-popular badge maker for the day.
Our Senior Farm Advisor Nick showcases our soil experiment
Alongside the volunteer trailer our Farm Advisors Matt and Nick carried out some soil demonstrations. These demonstrations were designed to illustrate the way that three different soil types react to rainfall, and how these reactions affect rivers. The demonstration successfully showed that healthy soils retain more water and more vital nutrients then unhealthy soils- good news for rivers, soils, and farmer’s wallets!
Throughout the day our CEO Jack, Ribble Life Together Project Manager Harvey, and Office Administrator Charlotte answered questions from visitors and promoted the Trust’s activities.
Our volunteer trailer, event programme and litter pick relay race