Project to save freshwater pearl mussel in the River Kent in Cumbria begins

Over the next five years, the LIFE R4ever Kent will support the conservation of the freshwater pearl mussel population while helping tackle climate change and aide nature’s recovery, according to Natural England.

The project- worth £3.8 million- is designed to save and restore the river’s rare existing freshwater pearl mussel population as well as improve breeding areas to secure longer-term populations.

Led by Natural England, the project also hopes 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: “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.”

Dr Louise Lavictoire, Freshwater Biological Association’s head of science said: “There are very small remnant populations of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel surviving in the River Kent and its tributaries. None are large enough to sustain a population into the future. Captive breeding and population expansion are needed urgently to save these freshwater pearl mussels from local extinction.

“The Kent population has suffered a significant decline in recent years due to pollution, degraded habitat conditions, no natural survival of new juvenile pearl mussels and low genetic diversity. This project will reverse this trend and create a self-sustaining population.”

Dr Mike West, South Cumbria Rivers Trust’s Senior Project Officer said: “Throughout the project we have planned activities and events to work with local groups and landowners to raise awareness and understanding and promote partnership working to restore and revitalise the River Kent as a SAC.”

Nicki Rushton, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency welcomes the opportunity to work with our partners to deliver this innovative project focusing on restoring and revitalising the River Kent SAC, so it is more resilient to environmental pressures and the survival of vital species is secured for future generations.”