VOLUNTEERS are being recruited to monitor insect life on the River Worth in Keighley.

The initiative is aimed at helping to assess the impact of pollution in the water course.

A survey carried out late last year by the Aire Rivers Trust found a range of issues along the Worth – including misconnections into the river from home sewers, leaking public sewerage systems and industrial discharges.

Seventy volunteers from the trust were involved in the crowdfunded ‘citizen science’ survey, called the Great Aire River Outfall Safari, which was conducted between October and December.

One of the worst incidents was associated with Hogg Holes Beck – where a public footpath was being littered with human waste, toilet paper and used sanitary products from a leaking sewer manhole cover.

Now the Aire Rivers Trust, and the River Worth Friends, are appealing for people to help with the insect study.

Sam Riley-Gunn, the trust's River Worth restoration officer, says: "The range and number of insects found in a river are a key indicator of ongoing pollution problems.

"Where pollution occurs, insect numbers can drop dramatically, alerting volunteers to a problem. Action can then be taken to trace the issue and report it to the authorities, for necessary work to be undertaken.

"Volunteers work in pairs to 'kick' the riverbed and gather insect samples at a fixed site. Their results then contribute to a wider database, built by a network of other monitors, who sample along the entire length of the river and its major feeder stream.

"The volunteers then log their results on a National Riverfly Partnership website for review by experts from the Aire Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency. This allows problems to be traced along the river network and through the different seasons of the year.

"Full training and all the equipment needed is provided free of charge to volunteers.

"Riverfly monitoring is key to bringing about change for the River Worth. Pollution problems are only taken seriously when there's scientific evidence that proves the river's wildlife is being harmed."

Informal taster evenings are being held across Keighley this month and next for anyone interested in volunteering, where people can learn more about the scheme.

And a training day – supported by Keighley Big Local – will take place at Hainworth Wood Community Centre on Saturday, July 13.

For further information and to get involved, visit aireriverstrust.org.uk/riverfly or email sam.riley-gunn@aireriverstrust.org.uk