The Salmon School Inspires Oxfordshire’s Young Minds
Species we uncovered in River Windrush
Barbatula barbatula – Stone loach
Bos taurus – Domestic cow
Cottus sp. – Sculpin, unidentified
Esox lucius – Northern pike
Gasterosteus aculeatus – Three-spined stickleback
Gobio gobio – Gudgeon
Lampetra sp. – Lamprey, unidentified
Leuciscus leuciscus – Common dace
Perca fluviatilis – European perch
Phoxinus phoxinus – Eurasian minnow
Rutilus rutilus – Common roach
Salmo trutta – Brown trout
Squalius cephalus – European chub
As part of its first year visiting the UK, The Salmon School initiative was warmly embraced by students and teachers at Standlake C of E Primary School in Oxfordshire. Coordinated by the Cotswolds Rivers Trust, in partnership with the Rivers Trust and Thames Rivers Trust, the program offered Year 6 students a captivating blend of science, art, geography, and natural history.
Over three immersive sessions, students explored the hidden world of the nearby River Windrush. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, they unveiled the rich variety of life beneath the water's surface.
While no Atlantic salmon DNA was detected, the findings revealed a host of other fish species, including roach, gudgeon, and brown trout — the species being championed by the school. A kick-sampling session on the riverbank also brought the students face-to-face with invertebrate indicator species, such as mayflies (including particularly beautiful blue-winged olives), cased and caseless caddisflies, and a host of freshwater shrimp — all important markers of river health.
As well as scientific observation, students observed as artists. Taking in the wider river environment, looking and listening to the Windrush, collecting fallen willow leaves and strips of bark, and making “paints” from river bank mud and grasses ground up with a pestle and mortar. The river habitat itself becoming part of artistic interpretations of the environment.
The program nurtured curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Through activities blending natural history with artistic expression, pupils examined challenges — such as pollution and habitat loss — facing rivers like the Windrush, and envisioned innovative solutions.
Jack Knott, Trust Manager for the Cotswolds Rivers Trust, praised the initiative, saying:
“The Salmon School is about bringing people closer to their rivers and understanding the crucial role they play in our lives. Using art and science, we are telling a story that connects children to nature and inspires them to protect it.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Rivers Trust and Thames Rivers Trust in bringing The Salmon School initiative to the UK, and we’re incredibly grateful to Standlake School for their enthusiasm and commitment. Together, we are showing that the health of our rivers is a shared responsibility.”
Steve Brown, Teacher and Deputy Head, said:
“Located so close to the River Windrush, many of our children’s lives are impacted by the river. Watching them engage so positively in this exciting project was a pure joy for us. As well as learning so much about the geography of the river and science of habitats, the children have produced some stunning natural artwork. But, perhaps most importantly, they have learnt how valuable it is to ‘collaborate in conservation’ and care for the river on their doorstep.”
Looking ahead, the Cotswolds Rivers Trust aims to expand the initiative to more schools in the region, inspiring even more young minds to engage with their local rivers and ecosystems.
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