An ambitious environmental project focused on studying and conserving the Freshwater Pearl Mussel population in the River Teith, Stirlingshire, has been announced. The project focuses on Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FWPM), a species classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and seeks to restore floodplain habitat and boost population recruitment to support the species’ future survival.
FWPM demand pristine habitat and water quality, making them highly vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of soil erosion from the catchment. Unfortunately, the River Teith’s population is recruiting at alarmingly low levels. The project will include measures to restore the floodplain, such as riparian tree planting, ditch blocking, and wetland creation to boost habitat quality. These efforts aim to reduce the influx of sediment from the catchment, enhance water quality for FWPM, and support conservation efforts.
Project works will include planting 1,000 riparian trees and blocking ditches, preventing soil erosion and minimising sediment runoff. Creation of 6 wetland scrapes will help filter sediment entering the river, protecting FWPM habitat, alongside supporting fragile species like wading birds. 300 metres of riverbank will be stabilised and supported, improving instream biodiversity. Research into the preferred mussel host will also allow us to identify recruitment of new FWPM, aiming to secure the species’ survival.
Funding for this important work is made possible by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot. The project is also supported by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Our thanks also goes out to the landowners at Stronslaney and Witsend Farm, whom this work would not be possible without.
Commenting on the project, Amelia Heath, co-director of Forth Rivers Trust, said ‘This project will deliver important work focused around conserving a species whose numbers are declining across Europe. We are excited by the opportunity to learn more about Freshwater Pearl Mussel and to protect and enhance their numbers in the Teith catchment. Thank you to the project funders, landowners and partners helping make this opportunity possible.
Dominic Hall, Future Nature Manager at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “Our Future Nature programme is working with communities, partners and land managers across the National Park to restore biodiversity and create the resilient, nature-rich National Park that we know is so crucial for our people and places to thrive in the future. If we want a healthy future, we need healthy nature. This ambitious project to support the survival of Freshwater Pearl Mussels is an excellent example of the habitat restoration that we need to halt the decline in species across the National Park and we are delighted to be a part of it.”
Katherine Leys, NatureScot’s Head of Biodiversity added: “Biodiversity loss and climate change continue to cause challenges for Scotland’s native wildlife. If we are to avoid extinctions in the future, then we must act now to protect and conserve our most vulnerable species. The Nature Restoration Fund is helping us do this, and we’re pleased to support work to restore freshwater pearl mussel habitat on the River Teith. We look forward to following the progress of this important project from Forth Rivers Trust and partners.”
Find more information on our project page and stay updated via the Forth Rivers Trust social platforms as works progress on this exciting project.
