Ballinderry Rivers Trust is seeking volunteers for Riverfly monitoring initiative to protect local rivers

The environmental charity has just announced the restart of its popular Riverfly Monitoring Initiative and is looking for enthusiastic community volunteers to become trained as citizen scientists and help protect the health of our rivers and Lough Neagh.

Ballinderry Rivers Trust Chief Executive Mark Horton said: “Whether you're passionate about protecting nature or simply curious about getting more involved in your local community, this is the perfect opportunity for you. As a Riverfly Monitoring volunteer, you will be making a meaningful contribution to tackling pollution that is blighting our rivers and contributing to the environmental disaster in Lough Neagh.

“Not only will you be contributing to the protection and improvement of our freshwater environment, but riverfly monitoring is also a fun and rewarding activity that will allow you to experience your local river in a whole new way. You’ll better understand how rivers function and how we can all help keep them healthy. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to make new friends—both among your fellow volunteers and with your local river itself! You’ll experience the natural world up close and get a true feel for the ecosystem that supports the wildlife around you.”

Riverfly monitoring is an important citizen science initiative where volunteers help monitor the health of local rivers by counting riverflies, which are small freshwater insects. Riverflies are a key indicator species because they are sensitive to pollution. By regularly checking the number of riverflies in a stretch of river, conservationists can get an idea of the river’s overall health. If numbers drop, it could be an early warning sign of pollution, allowing intervention before more significant problems arise.

Mark continued: “The Riverfly Monitoring Initiative is a fantastic way for people to connect with their local environment while making a real difference. Volunteers will not only be helping to protect our rivers but also gain an appreciation for the natural world and the role rivers play in supporting our ecosystems and communities.

“Rivers are the lifeblood of our landscapes, supporting both wildlife and local communities, and they need our protection. By giving just one hour a month to riverfly monitoring, you’ll be playing an active role in helping to ensure that our rivers remain healthy for future generations to enjoy. It’s a simple way to give back to nature while learning new skills and getting outdoors.

“We look forward to welcoming new friends on this exciting journey to help protect our rivers. Join us and become a guardian of your local waterway. Volunteers are only asked to commit one hour per month to survey their local waterway—an easy, enjoyable way to make a big difference! No previous experience is necessary—just a love for the outdoors and a willingness to learn! Our friendly team will provide all the training and equipment you need, and we’ll be on hand to support you every step of the way, “ he concluded.

If you want to know more or sign up, Ballinderry Rivers Trust is holding a Riverfly Monitoring Training Day on Saturday, 14th September, from 9.30am-4.30pm with a light lunch at their River School on Orritor Road, Cookstown.

Anyone interested in learning more about how they can play a vital role in safeguarding the health of our rivers can attend the event after registering for the training by following this link: https://forms.office.com/e/1V5sBu7T4V. Booking essential. You must be 18 or over to be trained as a Riverfly Monitoring Volunteer. For more information, you can email [email protected] or call 028 8676 1515.