River Tweed Environmental Education Programme

The Trout in the Classroom programme is a hands-on freshwater education project delivered by the Tweed Foundation to primary schools across the River Tweed catchment in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland.

Over five weeks, pupils care for native trout eggs in a chilled classroom tank, observing their development from fertilised eggs to alevins and finally to free-swimming fry. The project connects science, responsibility and conservation in a practical and memorable way.

Recently, Education Officer Ben McCallum delivered the programme at Holy Trinity First School, culminating in a supervised release of the young trout at Chatton Trout Fishery.

Holy Trinity First School: Project in Action

At Holy Trinity First School, Year 4 pupils cared for trout eggs over five weeks, watching them hatch and grow.

The project concluded with a visit to Chatton Trout Fishery, where pupils released the fry they had nurtured from eggs. The release day reinforces the full life cycle and the responsibility involved in returning fish to a managed freshwater environment.

The school reflected:

“Our pupils have loved watching the trout grow and learning about their life cycle and how to care for living things. Thank you to the Tweed Foundation for bringing learning to life.”

Why Trout Matter in the River Tweed

The River Tweed is one of the UK’s most important salmonid rivers, supporting Atlantic salmon and native brown trout populations.

Trout are an indicator species — meaning their health reflects water quality and habitat condition. By focusing on a native fish species, the programme helps pupils understand how farming, land management and conservation practices affect river ecosystems.

This learning directly connects classroom study with the local environment.

Enquire About Taking Part

Schools interested in participating in Trout in the Classroom can contact the Tweed Foundation education team for availability, dates and further details.