From early June 2021, schools across the South West of England have engaged in this years rendition of the ‘Eels in the Classroom’ project.

Lincolnshire Rivers Trust release elvers with Grantham School in Wyndham Park, 2nd July 2021 – credit David Martin

The programme, organised by the Sustainable Eel Group and coordinated with various Rivers and Wildlife Trusts, aims to educate children on the ecosystem roles, lifecycle and decline of the European eel; whilst fulfilling a valuable restocking role upon release into the wild.

Children observe eels in the classroom before release - credit Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Children watch elver release into The River Chew and the Congresbury Yeo - credit Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Eels are raised in classrooms for up to four weeks, and cared for by schoolchildren for the duration. The 2021 programme involved the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Lincolnshire Rivers Trust, and The Rivers Trust – with thanks to many others.

Released eel in water - credit David Martin

Eels released with Lincolnshire Rivers Trust - credit David Martin

This years elvers were supplied by Stephen Beard of Southwest Eels, and caught by volunteer fishermen on the Parrett and Severn. Many thanks to George Clark of Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Michelle Walker of The Rivers Trust, and Gail Talton of Lincolnshire Rivers Trust.

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