Spring 2026 Riverfly Training Day

Learn how to identify and record abundances of freshwater invertebrates as a Riverfly monitor.

Riverfly monitoring is a citizen science survey that uses the invertebrate life of the rivers as a measure of river health. The survey technique involves kick sampling in the river, then identifying 8 groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates which are indicators of river health.

After the training session, you can adopt a designated Riverfly site on any river closest to you to survey on a monthly basis. If you are already connected with your local rivers group, please let us know, if not we can connect you with a local group so you can join in.

Learn more about the Riverfly method through the Chilterns, Hertfordshire and Middlesex Riverfly Hub.

The Chilterns Chalk Stream Project have organised the Spring Riverfly monitoring training day for Saturday 18 April, 09:00 - 17:00 at Restore Hope, Latimer Park (HP5 1TU). The training day will roughly follow the below schedule:

T heory sessions

09:00 - Welcome

09:15 - Introduction and context

10:00 - The Anglers' Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (ARMI)

10:25 - ARMI in practice

1 0:45 - Tea/coffee break

11:00 - Target groups - life history & ecology

12:15 - Lunch

Practical Sessions

13:00 - Introduction to fieldwork & site selection

13:20 - Fieldwork

15:00 - Identification

16:30 - Summary

17:00 - Finish

On the day you will be provided with all the equipment you need and resources for species idenitification, health & safety and so much more. This includes your own Riverfly ID guide, net and bucket. The £35 cost of attendance is a small subsidy towards these costs.

All you need to bring is knee-high wellies/waders, suitable clothing and a packed lunch; we'll provide you with tea/coffee and biscuits.

Booking will close Monday 13th April but book your spot quickly to secure your place.

Please direct any queries to: chalkstreamsvolunteers@chilternsaonb.org