White clawed crayfish
White-clawed Crayfish have undergone catastrophic decline since the 1970's as a result of disease and competition from introduced species. Our licenced specialists undertake survey, design mitigation strategies and oversee site works and habitat creation.
Developments with potential to affect watercourses that could support white-clawed crayfish are likely to require survey beforehand. Any development affecting crayfish habitat is likely to require a licence from Natural England.
Field work is seasonally constrained and can only be carried out by a licenced surveyor from mid-July to the end of September. Such a tight seasonal restriction means that this species should be considered at the initial stages of a project.
Mitigation depends on the nature and likely severity of the impact. Options range from avoidance (e.g. taking measures to avoid pollution or sedimentation during in-stream works) to trapping and removal of animals prior to works commencing.