A project to increase the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel population has started in Cumbria.
Over the next five years, this project will support the conservation of the species while helping tackle climate change and aid nature’s recovery.
The LIFE R4ever Kent project, worth £3.8 million, aims to deliver on the ground support to species conservation and is part of £11.6 million being invested in restoring river habitats across the country.
Led by Natural England this project in Cumbria is designed to save and restore the rivers extremely rare existing freshwater pearl mussel population as well as improve breeding areas to secure longer-term populations.
This project will help to generate an overall improved and healthier river system for the River Kent which will be key to ensuring freshwater pearl mussels, and other key species, have the optimum conditions they need to thrive.
The project has been developed in partnership with the Environment Agency, Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) and South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT).
Chris Kaighin, Natural England’s Area Manager said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners to deliver this project. Cumbria is a diverse and beautiful county, known internationally for its lakes. Its rivers may not be as famous but are an important part of the Lake District landscape.
“Not only will the freshwater pearl mussel benefit from the work within this project, but we will also be improving conditions for other species such as the increasingly rare, white-clawed crayfish that are also found in the River Kent and its tributaries.”
