This volunteer activity involves visiting the river bank in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire in Spring, and helping us count fish as they migrate upstream. We use this fish count data to help estimate migrating shad numbers and get a better understanding of their migration behaviour. Volunteers can also explore opportunities to gain further research experience by helping with other monitoring activities.
This volunteering role will introduce you to the forgotten story of the shad migration and is an opportunity to gain experience and collect valuable data, working alongside scientists and conservationists. This is an opportunity to see a unique, fascinating natural spectacle in a beautiful outdoor setting and be part of an enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers. You will gain insights into cutting-edge fish migration research. If you are interested in working in the conservation field, you may find the training beneficial for professional development.
You don’t have to have any prior skills or experience to get involved. All volunteers need is a natural curiosity and a desire to spend a little time by the UK’s largest river. All we ask is that you attend a short training session prior to starting your volunteering.
You can help as little or as much as you like! For those with more time and a desire to immerse themselves in the project, there is plenty of project activity through May to keep you busy and provide further field research experience. Or, if you just fancy seeing the fish migration up close you can visit the project site once or twice over spring, and still collect some valuable data for the project.
Click Here to register your interest.
Or contact Alice Moore, Severn Rivers Trust Volunteering Officer with any questions [email protected].
Worcester is a key location for Unlocking the Severn.
Two of the River Severn fish passes will be constructed here.
At Diglis – engineers will install a deep vertical slot fish pass next to the weir.
This fish pass will also include an innovative underwater viewing gallery for monitoring the fish and providing a whole new perspective on life beneath the water.
We are also restoring a Victorian workshop on Diglis Island to provide a place for learning and exhibitions.
At Bevere – a 100m bypass-channel will be introduced with blocks and a shallow enough gradient for shad to swim around the weir.
Coming Up:
– Our next information event on Diglis Island – due to take place in July – details to be confirmed nearer the time.
– Exhibitions and activities will take place at The Hive – including children’s activities during Easter holidays and a photography exhibition in August 2019
– Places of Poetry workshops in July 2019.
View of Worcester from Diglis Island
Tewkesbury is an important location for monitoring shad as the Upper Lode Weir on the Severn Ham, is the only place on the River Severn you can easily observe shad, as they swim over a notch in the weir.
You can join our people-powered science project at the riverside in May. Find Out More
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