Clubs, keepers and anglers in Derbyshire undertake vital work monitoring invertebrate life in our rivers, this work is a continuation of over 100 years of caring for our counties rivers and streams. Work is often carried out by sampling areas and collecting invertebrates such as the larvae and nymphs that live in the river. Invertebrates are then identified and recorded.
As well as being food for the fish in the river, the flies that emerge from some of these invertebrates provide sustenance for a whole eco-system of creatures such as the beautiful wagtail whose ariel displays catching insects in mid-air are a common sight on the river.
Surveying these insects also provide key insights into water quality. A healthy river system should have a diverse range of insect life, areas of water which have, for instance, only midge larvae would be considered a red flag for possible poor water quality.
Conservation is a key part of angling, anglers help maintain a thriving river eco-system and support a wild range of wildlife as well as the fish!