River Hub Volunteers Collect Invertebrate Samples Across North Wales

Our dedicated volunteers have been busy collecting invertebrate samples from our four River Hub locations — the tributaries flowing into Llyn Padarn, tributaries into Llyn Maelog, the Afon Ogwen, and the Afon Braint.

We carry out this sampling twice a year, in spring and autumn, at the same locations. This monitoring helps us track changes in water quality and habitat health over time, giving valuable insights into how our rivers respond to seasonal changes and local pressures.

The next step is to identify the collected invertebrates and submit the results to the SmartRivers Hub programme, a national citizen science initiative that helps assess river health using macroinvertebrate data. Once analysed, the results will be made publicly available, contributing to a wider understanding of river ecosystems across North Wales.

By studying aquatic invertebrates — like mayflies, caddisflies, and freshwater shrimp — we can tell a lot about the condition of our waterways. Some species thrive only in clean water, while others can tolerate pollution, so the mix of species found provides clear evidence of river health.

This work not only strengthens local data but also empowers communities to take an active role in protecting the rivers they care about.

If you’d like to get involved with our River Hubs or learn more about river monitoring, please email poppy@northwalesriverstrust.org