The Following Is an Example from Clackmannanshire Council of a Volunteer Project That

Community Project

The following is an example from Clackmannanshire Council of a volunteer project that is contributing to flood risk management

Background:

Aim: photographburns to monitor sediment chokes and blockages from key vantage points on Hillfoot burns:

1. Tillicoultry Burn confluence with River Devon
2. Alva Burn at A91 Road Bridge
3. Dollar Burn water race + beneath Mixed Leisure Route Bridge to the south

The aim is to take a photograph (s)at vantage points chosen by the Environmental Monitoring volunteerto monitor sediment movement, chokes and blockages on the above burns, record river levels via photographs and relate this to information from the local Menstrie Weatherwebsite to record rainfall levels.

We want to improve our understanding of the interactions between sediment movement chokes and blockages over time in the context of flood risk management and investigate how sediments in these highly dynamic burns may move over time.

Through regular monitoring we are able to chart climate change as well as wear and erosion. By undertaking projects such as this we are able to pinpoint pressure sites, such as flooding areas, bank erosion and sediment build up along burns and rivers, which allows us to take action, where appropriate, to protect and improve our local environment for the future.

Recording sheet instructions and equipment required:

• Survey materials Environmental Monitoring volunteers will require of their own – device to take photographs (Smartphone/camera) and submit photos and records by e-mail.
• TCV will provide survey materials (laminated maps of monitoring sites, recording sheets, weatherproof clipboards, pencil), training, support and guidance for the project.
• The Environmental Monitoring volunteers will choose and monitor their identified site(s) throughout the year on a regular basis and from the same vantage point– via taking a photograph and making a note of what they see and a written description of the day.

Please note: From the vantage point the recorder needs to be able to see the full width of the burn channel and slightly above the burn if safe and accessible.

• Monitoring should be on a regular basis for example once a week, every fortnight, or monthly.

We highly recommendthat volunteers also monitor and photograph their site (s) after high levels of rainfall, which shift loads of sediment high in the burn and can cause sediment chokes and blockages further downstream

• Photographs should be taken of the burn from the same vantage points. However additional information and photographs of the burn and surrounding area would also be of benefit to the project.

• Please email all photographs and recording sheets to: Amanda Malcolm, Citizen Science

If you would like any further information, or have any questions or queries please contact Amanda Malcolm, TCV Scotland, Citizen Science or 07917 460488.