Sharing stories of why the River Kent is special is key to safeguarding its future. From knowledge comes understanding, helping us act to improve and protect this special river.

With this in mind, South Cumbria Rivers Trust are running a pilot project; Trout in the Classroom.

What is it?

You might not know that we engage with schools but we do so in a variety of ways. Gone are the days of talking with slides. Our presentations are interactive, providing opportunities to see the river for themselves. Whether that be looking for freshwater invertebrates, bullhead, salmon or trout. We want children (and adults) to be excited and wowed by freshwater species – after all what’s not to love about a 100 year old shellfish or a tiny trout!

Trout in Classroom allows an immersive and interactive way of educating children on the importance of our environment and the creatures it supports. Kendal St Thomas’s CE Primary School have been chosen to host this project. Many thanks to Mr Pemberton for his enthusiasm!

Kath and Emma set up a tank in Year 5’s classroom, complete with external chiller and filter. The class will be responsible for monitoring, changing water and charting the progress of trout. A trout has several stages – from egg to alevin and then to fry. Once the fry are swimming around, the children will then release the trout into the nearby river.

We went to the school to give a presentation. Here the class learnt all about trout, why they and salmon are crucial to the survival of freshwater pearl mussels and how to look after their trout. An information and activity pack was handed out and we’ll be on standby to help sort any issues that might arise.

So now for the exciting part. In early February, 100 Brown trout eggs were carefully placed into the tank and the class will now get to see this life cycle unfold before their very eyes.

The children are very excited, Mr Pemberton is very excited and so are we as Trout in the Classroom gets underway.

A sneaky little update: The eggs have hatched!

Funded through the LIFE R4Ever Kent Project, aiming to Restore and Revive the River Kent Special Area of Conservation.