Survival cash for endangered mussels in River Esk (From Gazette & Herald)

Survival cash for endangered mussels in River Esk

11:37am Thursday 14th January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

AN endangered collection of freshwater pearl mussels which live in the River Esk in the North York Moors National Park is to receive a grant of £78,750 to help ensure their survival.

The project working to improve conditions in the river has been given the grant by the North York Moors, Hills & Coast LEADER Programme. It will be match-funded by the National Park Authority and the Environment Agency giving a total of £112,500 which will be used to carry out a raft of different measures to protect the mussels said River Esk Project Officer, Simon Hirst.

It is thought that increasing levels of sedimentation in the river are hampering the young mussels’ survival. As a result, the Esk’s population of mussels is ageing and is likely to become extinct in the next 25-30 years unless action is taken, he said.

“Earlier funding from Yorventure and Heritage Lottery has enabled a demonstration farm to be set up to illustrate good environmental practice and has funded some restoration work along the Esk but there is more that needs to be done,” said Simon.

“This latest cash boost will be used to help 22 farmers and landowners along the river to carry out measures to reduce sedimentation within the Esk. It will include fencing along rivers and gutters and improving or relocating existing stock watering points. It will also fund training courses on river restoration techniques and drainage ditch management and work with the local community to increase their understanding of conservation and land management.

“The funding from the LEADER Programme will enable us to make a real difference on the ground. Working with farmers and landowners we plan to erect more than 20,500 of river bank fencing, create seven cattle crossing points and install 18 new watering supplies for livestock. All of this, coupled with other measures such as tree management and planting, will help prevent soil erosion and improve conditions for the mussels and other river inhabitants such as trout and salmon.”

The freshwater pearl mussel is one of the longest-lived invertebrates known and can live for more than 100 years. Formerly widespread and abundant in England and Wales, its numbers have severely declined with most former populations now virtually extinct.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)