WHAT YOU CAN DO
In and On the Water
Get closer to the River Foss and help us understand, monitor and care for its waters.
Get Involved on the River
There are plenty of opportunities to take a hands-on role in caring for the Foss. Our volunteers help monitor the health of the river, survey its wildlife and remove litter and rubbish from the water.
You don’t need to be an expert. Training and guidance are provided for specialist activities such as collecting and identifying invertebrates, and doing chemical tests. Working as part of a volunteer team is a great way to learn more about the river while making a practical contribution
Hands-On Help for a Healthier River
Volunteers play an important role in helping us understand what is happening beneath the surface of the Foss.
The Society carries out biological monitoring at sites throughout the catchment, using kick sampling to collect and identify aquatic invertebrates. These small creatures provide valuable information about the biological health of the river and can help reveal changes in water quality over time.
Our volunteers monitor water quality, using simple visual tests to check on levels of common contaminants and nutrients.
These data are shared with partner organizations that work with us to push for cleaner rivers – not just the Foss, but cleaner rivers throughout Yorkshire.
There is also the practical work of removing litter and larger items of rubbish from the river. Volunteers are always needed for this. A clean-looking river with litter-free paths not only looks great, but helps deter future littering.
At a Glance
- No previous experience needed
- Training provided where required
- Work as part of a volunteer team
- Make a practical difference to the Foss
Ways to Help on the Water
From monitoring river life to tackling litter, there are different ways to get involved.
Biological Monitoring
Discover life beneath the surface
Help our citizen scientists carry out kick sampling, identifying and recording the small aquatic creatures that can tell us so much about the biological health of the river.
Water Quality Monitoring
Help us keep an eye on the Foss
Join the work to monitor the condition of the river. Regular sampling and recording help build a picture of water quality and identify changes or potential problems.
River Cleaning
Help keep the river free from litter
Join practical sessions helping to remove litter and rubbish from the Foss. Trained volunteers also work from the river-cleaning boat to recover larger items from the water.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you’d like to learn more about river monitoring, help with practical conservation or simply give something new a try, we’d love to hear from you.