Year 4 marvel at local engineering feat!

180 years ago, Twaite shad were found commonly in the River Severn as they swam from the sea towards the Welsh mountains to breed. With the building of canals and the accompanying weirs along the river, this became a journey these fish could no longer make. However, since four ‘fish ladders’ have been constructed along the length of the river, these fish are now able to bypass the weirs and resume their migratory route. The fish ladder in Worcester is the only one with an underwater viewing window. You can see videos of some fish that have been seen swimming by – click here.

The children in Year 4 were taught about this amazing feat of engineering before they embarked on their own journey to look at it! After a lovely walk along the river’s edge, they were able to descend down into the viewing gallery to see if they could spot any fish. Their patience was rewarded as both classes watched as shoals of roach swam past the window! They then used this experience to provide inspiration for a piece of creative writing, writing from the point of view of a fish!