Population of rare crayfish found at beauty spot

The surveys focused on 18 forest streams that drain off Cannock Chase

Scientists have uncovered populations of the globally endangered white-clawed crayfish around a popular Midlands beauty spot.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust conducted an ecological survey of forest streams in Cannock Chase between autumn 2023 to spring 2024.

The surveys focused on 18 forest streams that drain off Cannock Chase and involved working closely with other ecologists to assess the invertebrate species that call them home.

The trust described the findings as nationally important, but the species remains under serious threat from invasive American Signal Crayfish and crayfish plague.

The report also highlighted the presence of other nationally scarce invertebrates, such as the log-jammer, hoverfly and white-barred soldierfly, underscoring the need for ongoing protection and sensitive management of these fragile streams it said.

Nick Mott, River Restoration Manager for the wildlife trust, led the survey and authored the report.

He said: "The presence or absence of certain invertebrates tells us a great deal about water and habitat quality, highlighting any adverse pressures they face."

The team of biologists used a method known as "biometric fingerprinting" to determine the condition of each forest stream. This method uses aquatic invertebrates to measure the overall water quality of rivers and streams.

The trust said the absence of certain species was a sign that something was wrong.

Six streams were in good to moderate condition, four were moderate to poor and one was in poor condition.

Mr Mott added: "The survey gives us a new understanding of the water quality of the watercourses on the Chase and an overall assessment of the condition of the habitats along the stream corridors.

"The findings will help the trust and its partners work with landowners to improve stream quality and biodiversity in the National Landscape."