Wildlife
Our watery places are home to some of the most spectacular and precious wildlife in the country. Our region supports Ospreys, red squirrels and common otters through to endangered wild Atlantic salmon and critically endangered Vendace, Lamprey, European eels and freshwater Pearl Mussels. Find out more about some of the more unusual creatures in our region.
The fight for freshwater ecosystems
Our freshwater species are in trouble. Rivers are on the frontline of our climate and nature crises and we’re already seeing the impacts of climate change through more extreme floods and droughts. Globally, wildlife in freshwater ecosystems are suffering losses greater than in any other habitat. Along with our umbrella organisation, The Rivers Trust, we’re calling for change – stronger regulation, much higher levels of enforcement and investment in nature-based solutions. Find out more and get involved in the fight for your rivers.
Freshwater Pearl Mussels
European Otter
American Mink
Water Voles
Crayfish
Atlantic Salmon
Trout
Eels
River Lamprey
Vendace
Invertebrates
Red Squirrels
Reptiles
Amphibians
The River Restoration and habitat improvement works we undertake will help conditions for all these species (with the exception of non-native invasive species (INNS), of which we support eradication efforts).
If you see wildlife in our rivers, tag us in your pictures so we can view the wildlife in our region and record your findings.
Have you taken part in the Big River Watch?
Twice a year The Rivers Trust hold Big River Watch Weekends to help paint a picture of the health of our rivers and contribute to a national data set to help improve our freshwater spaces.
