New life for trout reared in Sheffield schools

Dozens of trout have been released into Sheffield rivers after hatching from eggs in classroom aquariums.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2016, 06:20 BST
Pupils from Brightside School at the River Don where they have released hand reared brown trout into the river with help from the river stewardship company. Picture: Andrew RoePupils from Brightside School at the River Don where they have released hand reared brown trout into the river with help from the river stewardship company. Picture: Andrew Roe
Pupils from Brightside School at the River Don where they have released hand reared brown trout into the river with help from the river stewardship company. Picture: Andrew Roe

Three Sheffield schools took part in the project funded by the Ernest Cook Trust and delivered by the River Stewardship Company.

Pupils at Brightside Nursery and Infant, Porter Croft CE Primary and St Catherine’s Catholic primary in Firs Hill have learned about raisingbrown trout and the city’s waterways in a special projecty.

Hellen Hornby releases hand reared brown trout from Brightside school into the River Don Picture: Andrew RoeHellen Hornby releases hand reared brown trout from Brightside school into the River Don Picture: Andrew Roe
Hellen Hornby releases hand reared brown trout from Brightside school into the River Don Picture: Andrew Roe
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They have diligently reared the fish from eggs to fingerlings by feeding them daily and monitoring the water conditions of their aquariums - keeping the information in special trout logs. Organisers say those taking part in the project have had an excellent opportunity to learn about the life cycle of fish and what wildlife can be found on their doorstep.

Hellen Hornby, community team manager at the River Stewardship Company, said: “This project has been really successful in getting children involved and excited about the environment. They have taken ownership of nurturing the fish in their classrooms and have learnt how important it is that we protect the wildlife in our towns and cities.”

The project culminated last week when pupils were taken out on special trips to release the fish in Endcliffe Park’s Porter Brook and the River Don behind Meadowhall.

One youngster said they had enjoyed learning ‘about the trout and how to feed them, and how to clean out the fish tank.”