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The freshwater pearl mussel is one of the longest lived invertebrates known and used to be abundant in England and Wales. However its numbers have significantly decreased and the freshwater pearl mussel is now a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The decline in numbers has been attributed to increased siltation, pollution and the reduction in the number of host fish such as salmon. The North York Moors National Park Authority worked with a number of local groups such as the Upper Esk Wildlife Group, to monitor and protect the River Esk habitat for the pearl mussels.

A project officer worked with local farmers to carry out a variety of river restoration work. The project has supported a captive breeding programme, and reintroduction of young mussels into the River Esk will be carried out when the water quality is acceptable. Local schools have learnt about the lifecycle of the pearl mussel through a comprehensive education programme. A series of talks and walks have helped raise awareness of this important species and the local community has been actively involved in protecting and conserving the local river habitat.

• to aid the recovery of the freshwater pearl mussel and salmon on the River Esk by implementing measures that prevent siltation;
• to support the programme of breeding pearl mussels with the aim to reintroduce them to the River Esk once conditions are suitable;
• to involve the local community in the plight of the freshwater pearl mussel; and
• to use a demonstration farm to educate groups about these species and the dangers of siltation.

• River restoration work has been completed on 26 farm sites in the Esk catchment area.
• Comprehensive pearl mussel surveys have been carried out and 605 new pearl mussel records completed for the River Esk.
• Currently 500 juvenile mussels are in the captive breeding facility and these will be reintroduced into the River Esk in five years time.
• Three potential reintroduction sites have been identified on the River Esk and vital water quality and sediment monitoring has been carried out throughout the project.

• The Project Officer delivered presentations and guided walks to over 100 people, as well as carrying out practical activities with volunteers such as tree planting, river bank stabilisation and invasive plant surveying.
• Over 60 people have gained heritage skills in river restoration work, water sampling and river survey training.
• The ‘Salmon in the Classroom’ project was carried out with two local primary schools to help the children understand the life cycle of salmon. 40 salmon eggs were reared by each school before they released the salmon fry back into the river.
• The project officer raised awareness amongst the local farming community of land management and conservation in relation to the important species in the River Esk helping protect these species in the future.

• For projects with a conservation focus it is vital to get the local landowners and the local community on board with the aims of the project to ensure the project will have the support it needs.
• Good relationships are key to the smooth running of a project and the earlier you start to build these relationships the better.

• Significant sections of the River Esk habitat have been restored for the benefit of a wide range of species including the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Otter, Kingfisher, Dipper and a whole host of river invertebrates.
• A wide range of community engagement and educational work has raised awareness in the local community of the importance of the River Esk and trained volunteers to help restore and protect the river habitat for the future.
• More information can be found on the Esk Pearl Mussel Salmon Recovery Project website.

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