River Fieldwork

Exploring a stream or river is the best way to understand the processes and features that happen. Even a small stream flowing from moderate hills will exhibit the processes and features normally seen on large rivers, only the scale is different.

Recording the information that is measurable and that can be seen will enable a greater understanding to be developed back in school.

Here are examples of the ways in which rivers may be recorded.

Stream measurements:

• Record the width and depth of the stream. download stream recording sheet as PDF or Word file
• Record the angle of gradient over which the stream flows
• Record the speed of the flow of water in the river
• Record the 'wetted perimeter'.

Visual Pollution:

Record a simple visual check on what is seen in the stream. download visual pollution sheet as PDF or Word file

Rock/Pebble Size:

Record a sample of the rocks on the stream bed.  download stone analysis recording sheet as PDF or Word file

Minibeast Recording:

Look for examples of the type of creatures that live in the environment of a stream. This may be linked to the visual pollution information.

Download stream testing sheet as PDF or Word file.