They have transformed 2,000 classrooms into fish hatcheries and inspired 50,000 children to learn about the importance of local biodiversity. Now, Clyde in the Classroom – the unique, hands-on freshwater biology project that seeks to bring the River Clyde into classrooms around the West of Scotland – is proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The Clyde in the Classroom project, which is led by the Clyde River Foundation based at the University of Glasgow’s School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, aims to inspire children to become “future stewards of the river” while learning about the ecology and wildlife in their local area. The project also has a strong focus on issues of sustainability, including the causes and impacts of pollution and other threats on our precious freshwaters.
Over the last 25 years the project has been so successful at inspiring young minds, that some former Clyde in the Classroom pupils have continued their passion for the natural world and gone on to study zoology, creating a full circle moment for the project team who now see them during their studies the University of Glasgow.
The Clyde River Foundation was founded in 1999 to improve the understanding of river and fisheries management in the River Clyde system. In 2001 the Foundation began the Clyde in the Classroom project, which has grown from just five participating schools every year to around 100 schools and 3,000 children annually.
A key part of the project sees brown trout egg hatcheries brought into all participating schools, with pupils and teachers taught how to maintain water quality and look after the fish as they hatch and grow. After several weeks of classroom visits – putting working scientists in front of potential scientists - the Clyde River Foundation team help the children release their young fish to their local river.
Posted On: 15/01/2025
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