Diatom Project introduction session

Help pilot a new citizen-science method to sample diatoms and explore what these microscopic algae reveal about the health of the River Fal. Westcountry Rivers Trust is working with the University of Exeter on a student-led master’s project to develop and test a new diatom-sampling method for citizen scientists. Diatoms are microscopic algae that respond to changes in nutrients and pollution, making them valuable indicators of river health. The project has two stages: • Developing and piloting a practical sampling method for volunteers • Analysing the samples and exploring whether artificial intelligence could help identify diatom species Samples collected across the Fal catchment will be analysed at the University of Exeter Cytomics Centre, helping to create species lists and an image library for the Fal. Combined with water-quality and Riverfly data, this evidence could provide a fuller picture of river health—helping to identify where action is needed, inform restoration work and measure whether interventions are effective. As a novel pilot project, volunteers will play an important role in testing and shaping this new monitoring approach Who is this for? This training is for people from communities across the wider River Fal catchment - not just St Stephen. Communities currently identified around WRT Citizen Science monitoring locations include: Kea; Devoran; Carnon Downs; Feock; Tresillian; Probus; Falmouth; Penryn; Goonamarris; Foxhole; Carpalla; Nanpean; Grampound with Creed; St Dennis; Whitemoor; Ladock; Grampound Road; Trevevra; Lamanva; Trenoweth; Mabe Burnthouse; Threemilestone; Newbridge; Ruan Lanihorne; St Michael Penkivel; Tregony; Killiow; Freewater; Kenwyn; Highertown; Portloe; St Stephen; Church Town; Ponsanooth; New Mills; Brighton; Philleigh; Trewithian; St Just in Roseland; Coombe; and Trelion. The aim is to build a network of trained volunteers who can, where possible, support ongoing monitoring within or close to their own communities. If you live in or around one of these areas and are interested in the health of your local river, stream or tributary, we’d love you to come along!