Pearls in Peril (PIP): Securing the future of the freshwater pearl mussel in Great Britain. Layman s Report LIFE project LIFE/NAT/000383: PIP GB

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1 Pearls in Peril (PIP): Securing the future of the freshwater pearl mussel in Great Britain Layman s Report LIFE project LIFE/NAT/000383: PIP GB

2 Where we worked Our aims Restore in-stream habitats for freshwater pearl mussels and their host salmonids at over 25 sites. Removing artificial features and installing woody debris. Reduce nutrient and sediment input from diffuse sources by improving riparian land management in five priority catchments involving at least 120 land managers. Undertake over 70km of riverbank habitat improvements and complete over 80ha of native tree planting adjacent to at least 7 priority freshwater pearl mussel SACs. Restore 43ha of coniferous plantation to fen bog and wet woodland, construct over 10 settlement ponds and block 12km of ditches. Deliver Riverwatch schemes in 16 catchments raising awareness of freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues with at least 20 stakeholder groups. Complete artificial encystment of juvenile salmonids in three rivers to boost freshwater pearl mussel recruitment. Develop and deliver Pearls in the Classroom across 20 catchments completing at least 150 school visits. Raise awareness of Natura and freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues with local, national and international audiences.

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4 What we did to Restore We fenced river banks to protect them from damage. Green engineering methods, such as willow spiling, stabilised damaged banks. Woody debris placed in the water provided places for fish to live sometimes using old Christmas trees. Major construction work involved re-profiling river banks, reconnecting old channels and removing artificial croys. These actions helped return rivers to a more natural state which is good for freshwater mussels, fish and water management. Trees stabilise banks and provide shade to cool the water as temperatures increase due to climate change. The project planted hundreds of thousands of native trees and helped restore 120ha of non-native coniferous plantation to wetland.

5 What we did to Restore We looked at the wider benefits of restoring freshwater pearl mussel habitat and found the value outweighed the expense of doing the work. Improved water quality, more salmon and trout, and slower water flow after rain are all good for humans too. Pollution from land and road run-off can harm freshwater pearl mussels. We installed sediment interceptors, built ponds and improved road crossings where vehicles were driving through rivers. All the river wildlife will benefit from these actions. We worked with people from all walks of life including industrialists, landowners, farmers, water companies, councils and local community groups. A lot of work was also carried out by local tradesmen, bringing jobs to rural communities.

6 What we did to Secure Young mussels need to attach to the gills of salmon or trout to survive. We perfected a technique to help them do this. We managed to artificially encyst more than 1,000 juvenile salmon and trout with young mussels to help boost numbers. It is illegal to do anything that will harm freshwater pearl mussels. In Scotland we set up Riverwatch schemes in 16 catchments to help tackle wildlife crime; working with river and land managers, Police and using trained volunteers.. Monitoring of fish, mussels, habitat and water quality was undertaken at all stages in the project. This will tell us if the work has been successful and it will also provide invaluable information to track changes in mussel populations into the future.

7 What we did to Communicate More than 4,000 children in Scotland, England and Wales received our Pearls in the Classroom experience. The pupils learned about the peculiar lifecycle of freshwater mussels and threats to their existence. They also had a lot of fun. The project erected informative display panels, attended rural shows and wasinterviewed for radio and television. Video podcasts were created too. More than 200 media events were generated over the duration of the project. Specialists and professionals also learned from the project with over 20 workshops, three conferences and many technical publications. Several of the methods demonstrated best practice, so it was important to communicate to other practitioners.

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