This campaign has now closed
ARK Trout in school enables children to raise brown trout from tiny eggs to little fish, ready for release into the River Kennet. During the project children learn about river ecosystems, the life cycle of brown trout, and the importance of a healthy environment for wildlife.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
The River Kennet should be a crystal clear, fast flowing chalkstream. However pressures from abstraction, pollution and urbanisation have left it slow-flowing and litter-strewn, particularly in towns. As a result the river is undervalued as a natural resource and often neglected.
Solution
Children are able to engage with the river in a hands-on way. They care for eggs and young trout in specially adapted aquariums and have to pay great attention to water quality and temperature to be successful. This gives them a clear understanding of the importance of clean, fast flowing water in the river. They visit the river to learn about the fishes' natural habitat and once their baby fish are released into the river, the children are more likely to care for the river.