Freshwater pearl mussel ©Linda Pitkin/2020VISION
Freshwater pearl mussels
Mussel power
Freshwater pearl mussels are an endangered species of mollusc found in clean, nutrient poor rivers. They have a fascinating life cycle, but their super power is the way they influence the river around them. They filter the water, cleaning it and improving water quality, benefitting other river-dwelling wildlife. By gathering in dense populations, they can also alter the shape of the riverbed, changing the way sediments build up and aiding plant growth. Their presence in a river greatly enhances conditions for other wildlife, making them a keystone species.
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Discover their incredible life cycle
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Sadly, freshwater pearl mussels have declined at an alarming rate. They're listed as 'endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Some consider them one of the most endangered freshwater mussels in the world. By restoring our freshwater pearl mussel populations, we can improve the health of our rivers and help a wide range of wildlife. Freshwater pearl mussels are just one of the keystone species that Wildlife Trusts are working hard to help make a comeback.
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Freshwater pearl mussel © Linda Pitkin/2020VISION
Projects
Devon Wildlife Trust
Northern Devon supports the only freshwater pearl mussel populations in southern England, but they are threatened by the water quality of the river. Devon Wildlife Trust has pioneered work to conserve the mussels in the River Torridge. As part of the Restoring Freshwater Mussel Rivers in England Project (2015-2018), work in the River Torridge focused on water quality improvements and the reintroduction of juveniles from a captive breeding facility, which was developed for the project. These were the first juvenile populations in the region since the 1960s. Devon Wildlife Trust is continuing work to improve water quality in the Torridge through Northern Devon Natural Solutions (2021-2027), to give both the established population and the recently introduced young mussels the best chance possible.
Wilder Marches
Wilder Marches is an ambitious nature recovery project taking part across two countries, four counties and three major river catchments. Shropshire, Herefordshire, Montgomeryshire, and Radnorshire Wildlife Trusts are creating and restoring habitats in the Marches region of the Welsh-English border. As part of the project, Wildlife Trusts will be protecting and expanding strongholds of rare species, including the freshwater pearl mussel.