by Green Smith, Bournemouth University.

My placement included both data entry and smolt trapping. I learnt a lot from staff and volunteers at the GWCT and the FBA, who gave me valuable insights into freshwater ecosystems that will aid my research project and other units. Working with a wide age range of data was interesting, as many invertebrate species recorded in stomach contents from the 1960s have changed taxonomies and names. Visiting offsite data logging stations showed me the importance of maintaining good local relationships – this is how access and permission is secured. Working on the smolt trap was a fascinating chance to see salmonids (and others!) up close.