CSI is a data collection process; both of samples (phosphates, temp. TDS, turbidity) and observations: wildlife, invasive species, possible pollution, livestock access etc. Its value increases over time and consistency. It is not a one off evaluation.
The EA has scientists that can evaluate with much greater accuracy the composition of the river. What CSI (and Riverfly) can do is fill in their map. These techniques give good shorthand results and point towards health or lack of it. There are 36,000 miles of rivers in the UK; it is impossible for a small staff of scientists to monitor this without assistance: this is what we aim to provide.
The full details for becoming a CSI monitor the can be found on the Westcountry Rivers Trust here. This manual of text and video is very complete and gives you all the detail you need to become a monitor. If you are uncertain, grab a coffee and a snack, and sit down to what will take around 40 minutes. If it bores you or you haven’t the time, this may not be the project for you. I found it fascinating and was thoroughly sold on the idea by the time I had finished.
It is important to monitor 10 times a year (12 if you are really paying attention), hopefully continuing for several years. This builds up data over time which is more important than an instant snapshot. A local rivers group (Dorset National Landscape, Bridport Town Council and WD Friends of the Earth) now have the kit required plus additional phosphate (replacement strips). We can help with site choice and help get you registered with WRT. Ideally the site you choose should be near to your home: a place you walk or visit often and the sampling can be a way to quietly sit and take in the sounds and pay attention. Some volunteers have multiple sites, others just one. Please email WD FoE to get started.
Bridport Town Council are now holding stock of the kit and replacement strips. Initially you will be asked by WRT to do a dry run and report the findings to “cartographer”. We are initiating a “buddy system” for training and will find an experienced monitor to come along for your first proper sampling. This data collection is useful in itself, but we are hopeful that this is the beginning of a plan for the Brit catchment that may include river management, planting schemes and invasive plant removal, as well as water quality.
There is a facebook group called Bridport Rivers Catchment Group which chats about the rivers in our area and rivers in general.