Cumbria freshwater pearl mussel in rescue project

Freshwater pearl mussels can survive for up to 150 years

Almost £900,000 is being spent to try to save the freshwater pearl mussel from extinction in Cumbria.

The three-year Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) project aims to restore rivers and improve the molluscs' habitats.

FBA chief executive Bill Brierley said as "indicators of near-pristine water quality" their decline raised concern about rivers' "ecological health".

The reintroduction of specially reared young mussels is planned for 2018.

They will be tagged and monitored.

The freshwater pearl mussel can survive for up to 150 years but is among the world's most endangered species.

It is affected by pollution and sediment, decline in fish populations and habitat degradation.

The money is part of a £1.5m grant from Biffa Award for rivers in Devon, North York Moors and South and West Cumbria.

The fund administers money donated to community and environmental projects by waste management company Biffa Group as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.