The Environment Agency is asking people visiting or living near Lake Windermere, the River Ribble at Edisford Bridge or the River Nidd in Yorkshire to become citizen scientists by providing a range of information, about what they can see at the sites, to help shape future plans to improve water quality.

To support this, the Environment Agency have joined forces with Hello Lamp Post, a two-way communication platform that can reach any member of the community via their mobile phone.

Interactive signage, including QR codes, has been placed on fences, benches and walls. Smartphone users can scan the code or text the number on the sign to share their findings and views, get information about local bathing waters and learn more about how to get involved in the Environment Agency’s citizen science work.

The data will be used to supplement that already gathered by the Environment Agency, as part of its extensive monitoring programme, to help ensure that as much information as possible is used to inform plans going forward.

Anyone involved in monitoring the water environment through citizen science can use this feedback service,  sharing details of the citizen science you are involved in and provide feedback on the supporting citizen science information page.