MORE than 100 Winchester schoolchildren manned the banks of the River Itchen to discover the secrets of chalk streams.

Stanmore and St Bede primary schools visited Winchester College's nature reserve last week to study the unique character, biodiversity and ecological importance of its renowned stream.

Year 5 pupils got hands-on with by measuring water movement and sampling wildlife, guided by staff from Wessex Chalk Streams Rivers Trust.

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It came as part of a two-month Rivers Educational Programme between the trust and Winchester College Community Service.

“It was a pleasure to work alongside such enthusiastic and motivated young pupils, and to provide a unique 'fish eyed' view of the River Itchen,” said Clare Talks, director of community service at Winchester College.

“The pupils are eagerly awaiting the hatching of larvae into mayfly, caddisfly and damselfly as the warmer spring weather approaches.”

The programme will continue with more local primary schools next spring.

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