River Obstacles: Contributing to River Conservation
River Obstacles is an educational app available on Android that focuses on identifying and documenting man-made obstacles in UK rivers, such as weirs, dams, and sluices. This app allows users to submit photos and details of any obstacles they encounter while near rivers, contributing to a comprehensive dataset aimed at improving river health and accessibility for aquatic species. Users can provide basic information or detailed data about the obstacles, including their dimensions and the presence of fish or eel passes.
The app supports the ongoing effort to enhance the River Obstacles dataset, which currently includes over 30,000 documented features in England and Wales. Submitted records are verified and incorporated into an Open Data dataset, which is utilized by environmental organizations and public bodies to identify and prioritize the removal of redundant obstacles. Additionally, the app aids organizations conducting river surveys by enabling users to track surveyed routes and visualize areas needing further investigation.
