On the 29th of June the Forth Rivers Trust and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park teamed up to showcase Our Wild Rivers. The event provided a chance to learn new skills and learn about wild rivers within Scotland, in particular, the River Forth at Aberfoyle. The Forth Rivers Trust engaged children and adults with learning how to cast a fly rod. Fishing is an activity that makes people passionate about rivers and can help get people outside enjoying nature. Participants had a great time learning how to cast, the rules of fishing and more. Activities such as this are important for the river as it brings people back into the environment giving them an understanding of how wild rivers work and why they should be conserved.
Along with the casting demonstration the National Park organised some pond/river dipping which is always great fun for families. During the pond dipping, young budding biologists caught several species of mayfly, caddis fly, stone fly and with great patience, a couple of minnows. These where held for a short time in a fish tank to show the diversity of life even in a small section of the river.
Also at the event was the Forth Rivers Trust electro fishing equipment which is used to catch and survey fish to determine the health of a river. There were several posters exhibited during the event which showcased conservation work throughout the National Park and other work carried out by the Trust out with the park.
The event was great at highlighting the key issues that wild rivers faced of which a major issue is Non-Native Invasive Species. Park staff ran a volunteer event alongside the river day to remove Himalayan balsam from the River Forth. One way that the plant is controlled is by simply pulling them out and hanging them on trees so the roots dry which will then kill the plant. This was carried out at the event with a number of stacks being pilled beside the River Forth being destroyed on the day.
The event was supported by National Park volunteers who helped setting up the event and delivering activities a significant amount easier. A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who assisted at this event. Thank you to the National Park for inviting us along.
