CSI Case Studies: The Par River WHO?
WHY?
Our informal group coordinates the timings of our CSI work and puts our findings into a monthly summary.
It is reasonable to say a love of nature and concern for its current state would apply to us all. Getting outdoors with a real purpose is probably another. Some of the group are very knowledgeable about plants and animals, while others love archaeology, history and are fascinated by the changes in the catchment over millennia. Doing something for the river, its habitat and for future generations would apply to all of us.
WHERE? The length and catchment of the Par/Luxulyan/Bissa River is on a human-scale, about nine miles from source to sea. Much of the catchment has special status, including a World Heritage site, Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserves and large SSSI areas. The river has been severely modified over many years, beginning with bronze age tin streaming in the upper reaches. Further down, the river encounters sewage treatments plants, agriculture and residential areas.
WHAT? The idea of joining Westcountry CSI grew out of the quarterly otter surveys run for many years. The surveys took place in the Luxulyan Valley and adjacent to it. Those of us who had been involved had always been interested in the wider health of the river and the whole of its length. After discovering the Westcountry Rivers Trust website and CSI programme, people signed up and our group has developed since then.