Thirty Year 4 pupils from St Laurence’s School recently had a highly enjoyable and informative trip down to the River Chor in Great Wood. Sam Phillips from Groundwork Wigan and Friends volunteers explained how the health of the river can be assessed. This is done by using the Riverfly technique – counting the diversity and abundance of specific invertebrate species caught in net sampling. The children also learnt how easily the river could be seriously polluted and wildlife species wiped out. A big danger in this regard is dogs getting into the river that have been treated with flea powder. This insecticide can easily wash off and damage the health of the river.
Pupils looking at the catch from net sampling.
Friends of Astley Park 