RIVERS in the Classroom scheme has returned to schools after lockdown moved learning online.

Pupils at St Peter & St Paul’s CE Primary School in Blackburn have already visited Dunkenhalgh Weir to see how one of RRT’s fish passes is helping salmon and trout to swim more freely.

Burnley’s Springfield Community Primary School have also benefitted from the scheme as pupils have taken part in litter picks and learned about trees in Towneley Park.

Rivers in the Classroom is an education programme run by Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) and more than 7,000 pupils have participated over the past decade.

The coronavirus pandemic meant the trust took learning activities online but they have now taken learning back to the classroom.

Schools across the Ribble catchment area and beyond will soon be able to participate in a full programme including the ever popular Trout in the Classroom project which begins in December when tanks are delivered. Pupils can watch the fish eggs develop, feed the trout and eventually release them in the spring.

RRT education officer, Neil Ashworth said: “We want our education programme to produce future guardians of the river.

“Activities like Trout in the Classroom instil enthusiasm in children, give them a lifelong interest in nature and an excuse to go outdoors.

"Hopefully, they will remember our lessons all their lives and get their families involved too.”

RRT’s education and engagement officer, Christi Lloyd works alongside Neil to deliver ten school packages covering subjects from geography and science to music, literacy, art and wellbeing.

Coming from a forest school background herself, Christi recognises the importance of interactive learning, much of which, including tree planting, can be done outdoors which is an advantage in these COVID times.

Christi said: “How to protect rivers is our main message. Our programme helps children to become more connected to, and engaged with, their local river and environment."

Coronavirus restrictions mean RRT adapting their hands-on educational activities and ensuring that any props used are sanitised.

The learning props include a toilet seat which is particularly popular in the sessions explaining what should – and shouldn’t - be flushed down the loo.

RRT’s educational work, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is mainly within primary schools but some secondary schools participate and resources for students up to sixth form can be provided too.