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School finds wriggle room for 100 eels

Pupils in Whitminster saw their numbers increase by 100 when some unusual visitors arrived in their classroom.

As part of a Cotswold Canals Connected (CCC) scheme with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT), Stroud District Council and Cotswold Canals Trust, the students at Whitminster Endowed C of E School have been given the chance to find out more about the fascinating lifecycle of European eels, which are critically endangered.

Sophie Wootton-Lee, GWT spokeswoman, said: "In the past 40 years, European eels have declined by over 90%, as a result of habitat loss, climate change, and illegal fishing.

"Over the next six weeks the elvers will grow, before they are released into the River Frome later in the summer. As well as teaching students about this elusive species, this project will give the young eels a headstart."

After queueing up to have a closer look at the elvers, students watched them being transferred to their new temporary home.

Administration of the Eels in the Classroom project is by the Sustainable Eel Group Bristol, which is a Europe wide conservation and science led organisation working with partner bodies and individuals to accelerate the eel's recovery.

CCC is meanwhile busy linking the Stroudwater Navigation to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal - and says that projects like this are crucial for getting young students face to face with engaged with issues in wildlife conservation and restoration.

A spokesman said: "Students will see the elvers each day in their classroom and will be feeding them and keeping the tank clean to nurture the elvers as they grow, with help from their teachers and CCC."

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