Ilfracombe students trained up as river monitors to become ‘citizen scientists’

Students from The Ilfracombe Academy have been officially certified to become river monitors recording water quality in local rivers and streams.

As part of Earth Action North Devon’s Ocean Explorer Academy programme, they received official certification following specialist training delivered by the Westcountry Rivers Trust, an environmental charity that works to restore and protect freshwater habitats across the region.

The training means they are now ready to take on the role of citizen scientists, gathering data on the health of local waterways.

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Earth Action North Devon (EAND) highlighted the project’s importance in North Devon, where it points out 84% of water bodies are currently classed as being in poor or moderate ecological condition, according to the latest assessments.

Above: The Ilfracombe Academy latest cohort of the Ocean Explorer Academy. Credit: The Ilfracombe Academy

The Ocean Explorer Academy is an environmental education programme that works with young people across North Devon, offering a range of learning and activities out on the coast and in the countryside.

It helps them build an understanding of environmental challenges and encouraging involvement in conservation-focused activities and future careers.

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The Ilfracombe Academy, part of Athena Learning Trust, says it is committed to offering a wide range of activities to support and enrich the learning of all its students. The school partnered with EAND last year to launch a new ‘Eco Club’.

Headteacher Steve Rogers said: “We’re really proud of our students for completing this training and becoming citizen scientists.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to contribute to something that really matters locally, while developing valuable skills and knowledge about the environment.”

Above: One of Ilfracombe's new citizen scientists. Credit: The Ilfracombe Academy