Citizen Crane

Rob Gray Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE)

River Crane

catchment

Thames

Greater London

1. A 25 km urban river in a 120 sq km catchment2. 15 fish species, water voles and kingfishers – a high value environment vulnerable to pollution3. FORCE founded in 20034. Crane Valley Partnership formed in 20055. Major pollution incident in 20116. Thames Water Fund set up in 20127. Citizen Crane project started in 2014

The Context to Citizen Crane

1. A partnership between FORCE, ZSL and Frog Environmental2. Steering Group of CVP, EA and Thames Water3. 12 Citizen Science teams cover the catchment4. Mostly volunteers - plus two local authorities, Thames 21 and LWT staff5. Harrow NCF; Thames Anglers; Friends of Cranford; Friends of Yeading; Arocha6. Supported by University links – St Mary’s; Kingston; Brunel and Royal Holloway7. Sample on the third weekend of each month from April 20148. RMI; phosphorus and ammonia; flow – lab analysis by TW9. Pilot outfall monitoring added in April 201510. Quarterly steering group meetings and an annual forum11. Add ons such as: MSc theses; URS training and surveys

Structure of the Citizen Crane Project

1. Volunteer training ~ 30 trained to date – including health and safety2. Sampling and monitoring kits – nets; trays; leaflets; sample bottles; tape measure and cool box3. High water levels and holidays mean < 100 per cent data collection. Around 85 per cent overall4. Monthly sample pick up across west London – logistics and time5. Upkeep of gauging boards – time 6. Data management and processing – logistics and time7. University Masters theses – use and develop on the data – logistics and time8. Annual reporting of data and findings plus regular web-site update9. Costs down to £10 -15k per annum plus volunteer time plus lab costs10. Outfall programme needs an app for effective roll out

Practicalities

1. A much improved understanding of the spatial and seasonal character of the river2. Now assessing year on year variations3. Several pollution incidents reported (and resolved)4. Chronic pollution hot spots identified5. P loading as well as concentration helps characterisation and source apportionment6. Linkage with the EA SAGIS modelling 7. Problem outfalls identified – and liaison with TW/EA feeds into misconnection progamme8. CC network of value in community and EHO engagement9. The catchment wide CC network is the most valuable project outcome – how best to use it?10. Wider community engagement – at sampling sessions; talks and through Facebook etc11. The steering group - with buy in from CVP, TW and EA - is critical to project success

Key Findings and Outcomes

1. Main project funding in place until April 2016 – two full years of data2. RMI funding with ZSL in place across London for a further three years3. Continue with the full baseline monitoring?4. Reduce frequency (bi-monthly/quarterly) + more measures (hydrocarbons; priority

substances?)5. Switch to field sample methods for P?6. Focus on outfalls – roll out monitoring with an App?7. Reach characterisation – water quality; geomorphology; vegetation and RMI – helping to

prioritise (and then help deliver) remediation works?8. Develop research links – PhD?9. Linkage with other work across the UK?10. Empowerment of CC teams and cost effective catchment benefits as the wider objectives11. Means undecided - discussion at the Citizen Crane Annual Forum - ZSL on 14th October

– those with a keen interest please sign up and join us

What Next?

Thank YouRob Gray

Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE)

info@force.org.uk

www.force.org.uk

facebook.com/friendsrivercrane