Part 1. Must be done at the river
Equipment :
Pen/pencil
Results sheet
1. Safety is the top priority! Don’t test if you feel unsafe.
As a Bellingen Riverwatch volunteer you will have already read the emergency first aid and safety information in your initial training, however if you need a refresher please find here:
Safety Information
Emergency First Aid Information
2. If walking through vegetation to reach the river, bang the sample pole at the extension handle end on the ground as you walk along to create noise and vibrations to scare snakes away.
But then, when approaching your the river's edge, try to BE QUIET so as to maximise your chance of seeing any wildlife there…
3. When you first arrive take a moment to sit down and observe your surroundings, take note of things such as:
What’s the weather like?
- Sunny? Overcast? Storming?
What’s the flow of the water like?
Is there any visible pollution in or around the river?
Does the water smell at all?
Is there any wildlife in or around the water?
Can you see any Algae? See Algae Identification Guide.
4. Record any observations on your results sheet.