Trout in Schools

"TIS" sponsored by Tesco Stores

12th May 2005

The efforts of Pete Reading in establishing the "Trout in School" project were rewarded today with the release, by pupils from Ringwood School, of the fry they have reared in the school science lab. It was a perfect spring evening to introduce the fry into their natural environment keenly observed by local newspaper and television cameras. It is extremely pleasing to see the project progressing in such a positive fashion, all credit to those directly involved which includes Tesco stores our sponsors in this work.

TIS press releasePreparing to release the fryRelease Day

16th March 2004

Eyed brown trout ovaMk 1 school hatcheryRelease Day

From the left, the eyed brown trout eggs, Pete Reading's prototype hatchery and the release day.

Wessex Salmon and Rivers Trust are delighted to have launched their latest initiative to bring the wonder of underwater life to the classroom. "Trout in Schools" is part of the Trust's educational programme aimed at introducing the vital role of the river in everyday life. At a time when fresh water is set to become a tradable commodity, the Trust believes an understanding of the basic importance of freshwater to every living organism is of the utmost importance.

The launch involves the Trust, with funding from Tesco Stores, placing brown trout eggs in rearing incubators in the science laboratory of Ringwood School. The system will allow pupils from first year to upper sixth opportunity to study elements of riverine life from simple biology and basic requirements of the eggs to hatch, to the genetics of the developing fry.

Dr Mike Twitchen heads the Trust's educational program giving talks and slide shows at schools and Colleges throughout the Wessex region. Response from the schools involved has been extremely positive and it is eventually hoped the scheme will be enlarged to cover many of the schools in the region. It is the desire of the Trust to see the vital role of the river that afford so many areas of study and learning firmly established within the Schools National Curriculum.