River project is a’ troutstanding’ success for Slaidburn pupils

There’s been something fishy going on at Brennand’s Endowed CE Primary School in Slaidburn – and it has been a ‘troutstanding’ success.

Earlier this year the school was sponsored by United Utilities to take part in the ‘Trout in the Classroom’ project with Ribble Rivers Trust. The project runs from January until Easter and sees pupils nurturing their trout in a special tank witnessing their life cycle as they develop from egg to fry.

After raising 70 young trout, the pupils have released their fishy friends into the River Hodder where they will continue their journey playing a key role in supporting the health of the river.

Sarah White, Head Teacher at Brennand’s Endowed CE School said: “This been a great experience for both pupils and teachers. We’ve had pupils aged from seven to 11 taking part and they really took it seriously. By nurturing the trout from the egg stage through to young fish, pupils have learned about their life cycle and their place in a river’s ecology.

“We’ve also used this in our literature and arts projects and the pupils have also learned about water safety. We are so grateful for United Utilities giving our children such an amazing learning experience.”

The project was delivered by Ribble Rivers Trust. Emily Taylor from the trust said: “The Trout in the Classroom project brings the magic of the river to primary schools. It begins with Ribble Rivers Trust staff setting up trout tanks with all the equipment needed to create a river habitat in the classroom.

“Pupils can see for themselves each stage of the trout’s life cycle and learn about the freshwater invertebrates which are so important to the future of their trout.”

Ellie Phillips from United Utilities’ Bowland Catchment team added: “It has been ‘fintastic’ to see the pupils getting so involved with this, giving them an opportunity to learn more about the relationship between living things and their environment.”