Shropshire's Rivers

The White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is the only native species of freshwater crayfish in the British Isles. It is under threat and rapidly decreasing in range.

In Shropshire, populations have declined dramatically, though the River Corve in South Shropshire did once have strong numbers of White-clawed crayfish. River pollution and reductions of habitat quality are threats in many areas. Without action for conservation, White-clawed crayfish will continue to be lost from entire river systems. 

Find out about this project by downloading the project overview below.

Slow the Flow project ended in April 2021 and was delivered in collaboration with Shropshire Council and Environment Agency, in Corve Dale, Shropshire.

This Natural Flood Management project aims to slow the flow of water using natural techniques such as leaky dams to reduce flooding.

• Field aeration demonstration events for farmers, and working with our partners, farmers and land managers in the Corve Dale to produce maps detailing the different habitats, land uses and drainage issues. 

• River habitat surveys were conducted in the hot-spots, and opportunities whittled down to where we could best work with nature to help slow the flow. Various projects were undertaken, including: hedge-planting, field aeration and installation of leaky dams and seepage barriers. Field aeration in pastures has the mutual benefit of reinvigorating the grass whilst improving water infiltration.

• Monitoring of these items, to provide data and feed back, enabling us to share best practice. Monitoring included soil infiltration tests, dipwell pipes, data loggers and time-lapse cameras.

However, with funding from The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (Europe investing in rural areas), we were able to deliver a project to restore two sections of the canal SSSI, which was completed in early 2021. 

This is a partnership project between Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Telford and Wrekin Council, Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust, AUDCO, Telford Angling Association and Honeysuckle Angling Club.

The projects main aim was to de-silt sections of the canal. The deepening of the water benefits fish as the canal was too shallow in places for fish to happily swim. It also benefits unusual plants that are found in the canal which sadly had been in decline in variety and number as the canal silted up. Dredged silt was spread across nearby rough ground. These areas will ultimately be seeded with appropriate wildflower/grass mixes. 

Other work included:

• Consultation
• Fishery surveys
• Summer botanical surveys
• Protected species surveys
• Water quality assessments
• Information board installation
• A management plan was developed for the Newport Canal with stakeholders, to aid future decision-making, help garner support and funding, and look after this special site for the people, heritage and wildlife value into the future.