WHITE CLAWED CRAYFISH
White-Clawed Crayfish
The white-clawed crayfish is the only native crayfish species in the UK. It can be distinguished from the introduced North American signal crayfish by its smaller size and white-pink underside to its claws.
White-clawed crayfish can be found in rivers, canals, streams and lakes beneath cobbles, rocks and debris or within burrows in soft mud.
White-clawed crayfish are considered to be a keystone species wherever they occur. Human disturbance and introduction of non-native crayfish has caused a decline in the population of white-clawed crayfish throughout Europe.
White-clawed crayfish are listed under Annexes II and V of the EC Habitats Directive and are protected against taking and sale under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
They are also a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and a species of Principal Importance in England under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. Consequently, local authorities are obliged to consider the protection of the species when determining planning applications. Failure to consider white-clawed crayfish early in the development process can lead to costly delays and set-backs.
BL Ecology Ltd can identify the potential for white-clawed crayfish on site through Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and can provide full white-clawed crayfish presence/absence surveys if potential exists.
Once the likely impact of the development is determined, or if white-clawed crayfish are found, mitigation can be undertaken to ensure that crayfish are protected and the development proceeds.
Surveys and mitigation for white-clawed crayfish can be undertaken between July and September inclusive in suitable conditions.