Studying the Luton Lea The Luton Lea is the section of the River Lea from Houghton Regis, Lewsey and Leagrave Park to Luton Hoo Lakes. This guide introduces six sites where schools can easily access the River and/ or its tributaries, provides key information on access and safety along with some suggested activities at each site. The River Lea was once a pure chalk stream that was the centre of town life. It provided clean drinking water to Luton and London and was the focal point for everything from the local straw hat making industry to major engineering firms. However, over time it become degraded, hidden from view in part of the town and polluted but the River has been making a good recovery over the last few years as part of a programme to re-naturalise it and reduce the pollution; and it offers a great opportunity for pupils of all ages to explore their local area, to carry out field work for geography and science and to find inspiration for art and story- telling. Pupils can follow in the footsteps of Romans at Limbury Meadows; look for artefacts on Luton’s 19th Century ‘beach’; study forces at Luton’s own suspension bridge in Wardown Park; and look for signs of ‘Ratty’ the rare and elusive Water Vole which is doing well on the Luton Lea. The River’s Source The River Lea rises at three points, all in public parks: Houghton Hall Brook in Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis; Lewsey Brook in Lewsey Park, Luton; and Five Springs in Leagrave Park, Luton. Tradition suggests that there are five springs at this location, where the water seeps up from below the ground. It is not easy to count five springs today, but there are a number of interlocking pools filled by the rising waters which then trickle into a little channel – the start of the River Lea. The area is known as Wellhead, another name for the source of a river. A secondary source to the north-west of the park feeds the Sundon Brook, which joins the Lea just downstream at Rotten Corner. The Tributaries. As the River Lea starts its journey to the Thames, it is joined by other tributary streams. Before leaving Leagrave Park it is met by the Lewsey Brook, which rises in Lewsey Park and is itself first joined by the Houghton Brook from Houghton Regis. At Limbury the Lea is joined by the Cats Brook or Catch Brook, which rises in a garden in Icknield Way. Finally it is met by the Riddy Brook from Cowslip Meadow which joins the Lea under the A6 at Austin Road. The River's Course In Leagrave Park, the river rises in the fragile wetland habitat of Leagrave Marsh, then passes through the wooded area of Rotten Corner and then on through an area once known as Blockers’ seaside, popular with hat industry workers due to the sandy riverside ‘beach’. From here, the river flows alongside part of the Icknield Way Path, the oldest roadway in Britain running for some 105 miles from Buckinghamshire to Norfolk; through Fallowfield, a County Wildlife Site; and alongside the A6 and into Wardown Park where it feeds Wardown Lake. The Park here is also home to Wardown Museum exhibiting permanent and rotating displays about the history of the town and the industry surrounding the river. In the town centre, the majority of the River is hidden from view, running in culverts underneath the main town library and the Mall. From St Mary’s Road roundabout it flows unculverted and can next be seen along the edge of Manor Road Park before then running alongside the Vauxhall Recreation Club and into Luton Hoo Lakes. From here it runs through Hertfordshire and into the Lea/ Lee Valley it then passes through the Olympic Park at Stratford before join the Thames at Bow Creek opposite the 02 Arena. Further information Ideas and resources for education projects focusing on pollution and monitoring the River can be found at:- http://www.groundwork.org.uk/Sites/east/pages/river-lea-education-resources-east An internet search will provide sources for further information about the River and its history , e.g. http://river-lea.co.uk/ An informative walk leaflet with history and information about walking the Luton Lea. http://www.travelluton.co.uk/downloads/lea_valley_walk_July_2013.pdf Ideas for activities based around river studies Activity EYFS KS1 KS2 KS3 KS4 KS5 Using map & aerial photos to locate the river Comparing the river environment to the school environment Making a map to the river River dipping for invertebrates Testing water samples River fieldwork skills - measure water velocity and create a cross-section of the river bed to identify erosion patterns. Identify plant species in river and map distribution Survey marginal vegetation including invasive species - identification and distribution Survey animal life - mammal tracking and mini beasts survey Plant survey of grassland using quadrats and transects Tree health survey of trees on and around the river bank River management case study How to look after and protect the river environment Curriculum links Key Stage 1 and 2 Science Animals including humans - identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores Living things and their habitats - identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including microhabitats identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other Describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food. Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways Explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment Describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food. Construct and interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey. Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution. Key stage 1 and 2 Geography Use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of their school and its grounds and the key human and physical features of its surrounding environment. Use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the human and physical features in the local area using a range of methods, including sketch maps, plans and graphs, and digital technologies. Key Stage 3 and 4 Geography Human and Physical Geography – to understand how human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes Geographical skills and fieldwork - use fieldwork in contrasting locations to collect, analyse and draw conclusions from geographical data, using multiple sources of increasingly complex information. Key Stage 4 Science Ecosystems - methods of identifying species and measuring distribution, frequency and abundance of species within a habitat Ecosystems - some Reducing risks on field trips Using the environment for educational purposes is a well-established practice, but the teacher or group leader has special responsibilities as regards safety, respect for the interests of others and the conservation of the areas used. This information is an introduction only and does not replace any guidelines provided by your school, the Local Education Authority or your group organisation. SAFETY Proper planning, including a visit beforehand, good supervision and clear instructions for the group will ensure that there is little chance of any unforeseen incident occurring. Remember, the main purposes of fieldwork are to inspire, learn, do, experience and contemplate. Fieldwork should not be confused with outdoor activities that offer a physical challenge. There are unlikely to be any very hazardous situations to deal with, but leaders cannot afford to be complacent, especially when working in water environments. So: Visit the site beforehand to identify any potential problems Check the insurance requirements and any special safety procedures required by the school, Local Education Authority or group organisation Check if you need parental permission for the study Discuss the project with the group carefully and agree the standards of work and behaviour expected Ensure that the group comes properly clothed for the activity and the time of year. If access to the water is planned they should all wear wellies and bring dry socks and shoes to change into. Take a First Aid Kit to cope with any minor accidents and someone who knows how to use it Leave details of the fieldwork excursion with an appropriate person. Inform them when you leave and tell them when you expect to return Check the depth of any water before venturing into it. Avoid steep banks, turbulent water, soft mud and places where it is impossible to see the bottom. Avoid swollen rivers or streams. If in doubt, stay out! Stay close to the bank Be especially aware of Weil’s Disease. WEILS DISEASE : WATER-BASED OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Weil’s disease is a bacterial infection carried in rats' urine which contaminates water and wet river banks. The bacteria do not survive for long in dry conditions. It can occur in any water, including swift streams and rivers, but the likelihood of becoming infected is greater from stagnant or slow- moving waterways. The disease itself is relatively rare, thus overall risk of contracting it is small. However, it can be a serious illness requiring hospital treatment and can lead to kidney or liver failure, and so it is important that all reasonable precautions to avoid infection should be taken.