Norfolk is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including endangered species like the water vole and white-clawed crayfish. These animals are a vital part of a healthy river, which should be teeming with life you can't always see.
Sadly, our rivers are facing many challenges, from pollution to climate change. As a result, the species that call them home are struggling, and so is the entire ecosystem they support.
That’s why species conservation is at the very heart of our mission. It’s not just about saving one type of fish or a specific bird; it’s about restoring the entire, intricate web of life that makes our rivers so special for both wildlife and people.
We're working to recover Norfolk’s wildlife through our habitat regeneration projects, which range from reinstating habitat complexity to improving the quality of water that reaches rivers. These projects benefit the home of much wildlife, including amphibians, invertebrates and birds.
• We have established a hatchery to breed, rear and release white-clawed crayfish. These crayfish are placed in ‘ark sites’ - clean ponds, lakes and streams – away from the threat of the American signal crayfish and pollution. We also work to improve their natural habitats and monitor their populations.
• We have returned beavers to an enclosure on the River Glaven to act as natural engineers. Their dam-building activities restore wetland habitats that are vital for a myriad of species, from insects to birds.
• Following an in-depth study, we are preparing to reintroduce the burbot - a freshwater fish lost from our rivers. We are identifying the best facilities to rear them and developing a process to safely import eggs. This work will include making necessary improvements to the river habitat to ensure their return is successful.
• European eels face barriers migrating to and from rivers. We are helping them by removing or modifying barriers like weirs, dams and culverts, and installing fish passes so they can continue their epic journey.
• We support water vole populations by factoring their needs into our planning and project designs. During construction, we practice avoidance techniques to avoid disturbing them. We also work closely with the Norfolk Mink Project to manage the presence of their invasive predator.
• We conduct regular species surveys across our project areas. This vital data feeds into national databases, helping conservationists and policymakers track population health and make informed decisions about wildlife protection across the country.
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