River Wey adventures and a windy day at Gilbert White’s House

Posted on by Alex Pocock

May has been a busy month already! 

Thank you to all our volunteers who have either been out collecting water samples from our sponsored sites and/or delivering them into the lab.  We had 12 samples last Friday and it was a smooth operation.  We are always looking for backup so if you fancy yourself as a super sampler, delivery guru or want to help out in the lab please get in touch.  We particularly need people to collect and/or deliver from Liphook, Haslemere, Godalming and Woking and help in the lab both Friday and Saturday mornings. Email Alex here.

Saturday: Big paddle clean‑up with Wey Kayak Club

A big shout out to The Wey Kayak club who invited Water Rangers, the River Wey Trust and Zero to join them for their Big Paddle Clean‑Up. The river was alive with volunteers all doing their bit to look after the Wey. 

We spent the morning chatting with members, collecting litter, cleaning boats and cheering on the young paddlers. Zoe Franklin, a huge supporter of our citizen science lab at Zero, joined us handing out prizes to the children who kept paddling throughout winter. After the event we were welcomed with pizza and ice cream. Warm, generous, and very much that “Wey family” feeling.

Zoe Franklin handing out prizes
Alex setting off on her paddle board
Elena with her litter haul

Sunday: wind, wildlife, and wonder at Gilbert White’s House

On Sunday we set up at Gilbert White’s House & Museum, where the wind had very strong opinions about our gazebo. After a lively wrestle with the elements, everything finally settled and then the magic began.

Families gathered to explore freshwater life through magnifiers, asking questions about rivers and wildlife. A day full of wet hands, wide eyes, and genuine excitement. 

Tuesday: Water testing demonstration at ZERO Carbon Guildford

By Tuesday the sunshine returned in time for our water testing demonstration down by the Wey in Guildford. We walked through the freshwater testing kit, how to take accurate samples, and how to carry out E. coli sampling.

If you’d like to join the next session, you can sign up here Volunteer | ZeroCarbonGuildford . It’s relaxed, practical, and a great way to dip your toes into citizen science.

Ongoing: Thursday packing parties at ZERO Carbon Guildford

Every Thursday we run packing parties in the citizen science lab based at ZERO. Assembling kits, checking stock, and keeping everything running smoothly. If you fancy helping out, you can sign up through ZERO or Better Impact, or simply drop me an email alex@waterrangers.com.

Are you a Duke of Edinburgh student?

Interested in water quality and citizen science? Join our volunteer team helping to monitor the health of the River Wey.

Each Friday morning, volunteers collect water samples from selected funded sites, then use R‑Cards to home‑incubate and read E. coli results. It’s a simple, hands‑on way to contribute real data to our understanding of river health and it counts toward your volunteering section.

We’ll provide the training and support to get you started. You’ll be part of the growing story of the Wey catchment, helping build evidence for cleaner, healthier waterways.

You are also welcome to join us at Allee’s Meadow, Liphook, on the last Sunday of each month for our Water Testing Weekend and Riverfly monitoring. This is a great chance to meet other volunteers and learn more about the river’s ecology.

If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch, alex@waterrangers.com. We would love to welcome you to the River Wey Trust community.

Join us!

We’re always looking for more volunteers.  Follow the The River Wey Trust  and Water Rangers on social media. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler, a curious beginner, or someone who just loves the Wey, there’s a place for you in this growing network of river guardians. More information is here! 

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