Wold Ecology

White-Clawed Crayfish Surveys

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This is the only crayfish native to the UK. It used to be commonly found in clean calcareous streams, but numbers are now significantly reduced, with a 25–49% decline in numbers and range in the last 25 years. It has been identified by the UK Steering Group for Biodiversity as a Priority Species, and is listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in respect to taking from the wild and sale. The native UK crayfish is threatened by crayfish plague and competition from non-native crayfish species.

Manual searching and night viewing are the most frequently used survey methods, particularly effective in clear and shallow water. Manual searching involves entering the watercourse and searching all favourable White-clawed Crayfish habitat features. This is achieved by searching under stones, rocks, roots, walls and other refugia for crayfish.

The Wold Ecology team includes experienced and licensed White-clawed Crayfish surveyors. Please contact Chris Toohie for further survey details.

Legislation

This species has been given protected status under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, relating to taking them from the wild and illegal sales.  The white clawed crayfish is also listed in Annex 2 and 5 of the European Union Habitats and Species Directive 92/43/EEC and Appendix III in the Bern Convention.