Endangered white-clawed crayfish successfully relocated to Staffordshire site in groundbreaking conservation effort

The crayfish, which had been at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, were released into a specially designated "ark site", a remote upland stream free from invasive species,  where they will be closely monitored with the aim of establishing a self-sustaining breeding population.

The Midlands Crayfish Partnership worked to make the relocation of the rescued white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) to the protected site in Staffordshire, marking the end of a relocation effort which started in June 2024.

The relocation effort began when conservationists set out to collect just 12 berried females (females carrying eggs) from a lake in Derbyshire, but discovered nearly two hundred individuals, an unexpectedly large population. 

The group had to act quickly, however, when they also found three American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), an invasive non-native species in the UK which not only outcompete and prey on native crayfish but also carry crayfish plague, a disease deadly to white-clawed crayfish that can destroy an entire population within a few short weeks.

Liz Oldring, crayfish conservation officer for Buglife and the Midlands Crayfish Partnership, said: "What began as a small-scale collection mission turned into an incredible rescue operation for one of the UK's most threatened native species.

"We're incredibly proud of the outcome, and of the strong partnerships that made it possible.

"Recognising the imminent danger, we had to swiftly adapt our plans.

"Fortunately, Jonny Rudd, curator of the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, was with us and agreed that the Sea Life Centre could take a number of adult crayfish into quarantine over the winter."

The successful relocation brought together multiple organisations within the Midlands Crayfish Partnership including Buglife, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham, AECOM, and private landowners, with funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Once abundant in rivers and streams throughout England and Wales, the white-clawed crayfish, the UK's largest freshwater invertebrate, has faced a steep global decline and is now classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 

The Midlands Crayfish Partnership said that as a keystone species, it plays a vital role in freshwater ecosystems and is fully protected under UK law.

Natalie Emmerson, assistant curator at Sea Life Birmingham said: "It's been wonderful to be able to play a pivotal role in the rescue and translocation of this population and to have the opportunity to support ongoing conservation efforts for this species"

Kath Stapley, living rivers officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: “We are in close contact with the landowners where we collected the white-clawed crayfish from and they are keen for us to rescue more, which we can only do with the quarantine facilities at Birmingham Sea Life Centre. 

"They will then be added to the ‘Ark Site’ next year to bolster the population. This is true partnership working, with everyone pulling together to save an endangered species.”

Nick Mott, river restoration manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: "White-clawed crayfish populations are in crisis. 

"Without this type of intervention this species would be on the cusp of extinction in England. 

"This latest 'Ark Site', in the headwaters of a remote, limestone stream in Staffordshire, is an absolute gem. 

"We would like to thank our conservation partners and all the private landowners who agreed to become crayfish custodians."

The relocation is part of a three-year conservation initiative that aims to halt the decline of the white-clawed crayfish in the Midlands. 

The project focuses on five key elements:

• Rescue and Relocation: Identifying and establishing 'ark sites' where new populations can thrive away from invasive species and disease

• Mapping and Surveying: Conducting comprehensive surveys to guide targeted rescue efforts

• Community Engagement: Raising awareness through public activities including pond dipping sessions, guided walks, and educational talks

• Biosecurity Protocols: Promoting the 'Check, Clean, Dry' campaign to prevent the spread of invasive species

• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Working closely with partners across the Midlands to share best practices and expertise

Liz Oldring said: "We are hopeful that this project offers a lifeline to the white-clawed crayfish, which has been an integral part of the UK's freshwater ecosystems for centuries.

"As monitoring continues, we hope to share more exciting news not only of the progress of our relocated crayfish but also how other isolated populations are faring across the UK."