Week 1
Monday
When I arrived, I was met by Helen who showed me around the office, introduced me to the other members of staff and went through my induction. We then visited Balderstones primary school to check on the tank, which is part of Trout in the Classroom. We then had a site visit to two recently completed fish passes: Dunkenhalgh and Oakenshaw. Towards the end of the day, I researched the Trust and found out more about what they do.
Tuesday
On Tuesday I tested a walk route at Park Brook with Amelia to see if the directions made sense, this was a lot of fun. I then visited Stonyhurst to check their tanks and monitor the progress of their alevins.
Wednesday
On my third day at the Trust, I went with Jonny and Ryan to plant hedges and trees with volunteers at Cuthbert Hill in Chipping. The other volunteers were really friendly, and we managed to plant all the hedges and trees we needed to.
Thursday
Kathryn, Helen and I went to Myerscough College for the careers fair, which gave me a chance to have a look at Myerscough. We had a lot of students come and visit us and ask lots of question to find out more about what the Trust does.
Friday
Jonny, Amelia Ryan, Helen, Marco and I went to Lower Darwen to install an interpretation panel near the fish pass. We also laid some flags leading up to the board, to make it easier for people to access, which I think is a great idea.
Week 2
Monday
At the start of my second week, I went to Whalley to help people who were flooded by the storm with Jonny, Rob, Amelia, Ellie and Kathryn. Thankfully there wasn’t much water left from the flood and residents just needed help cleaning up.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, I went with Jonny, Amelia, Ryan and Helen to put an interpretation board at Whalley Arches. The board informs people using the footpath about the trees planted last year. I then went back to Lower Darwen to check on the board and flags after the weekend’s stormy weather.
Wednesday
On Wednesday I did a site visit with Helen and Ellie for tree planting with a primary school and did a risk assessment. Then Helen and I went to Lytham to decide on a location for an art installation.
Thursday
I accompanied Neil and Helen to the eight different primary schools taking part in Trout in the Classroom to check on their fish and install automatic feeders. With half term approaching, the feeders will allow the schools to feed the fish twice a day without anyone having to be in school. The difference in the development of the fish was interesting, two of the school’s fish were at the top, swimming, and had lost their yolk sacks. Other schools’ fish were still (just!) in the alevin stage.
Friday
This was my last day at the Trust, and Helen and I tested a walk route in Ribchester for an upcoming leaflet which is due to be published later this year. We were testing the route to write the directions and check whether there were any problems along the route such as broken stiles which might need replacing.
I had a very enjoyable time at Ribble Rivers Trust. I had a varied two weeks and saw lots of different aspects of the work the Trust does. Thank you to all the very welcoming staff, I’m glad I chose to do my work experience here.
