Research reveals 24 most important landscapes for freshwater wildlife - Freshwater Habitats Trust
A new study has identified the 24 most important landscapes for freshwater wildlife in England and Wales. Published today (1st September) in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence, the research pinpoints the regions – from the Scottish border to Cornwall – that are richest in freshwater plants and animals.
The paper sets out a vision for the ‘Freshwater Network’ – a new national strategy to tackle the crisis facing freshwater species developed by scientists from national wildlife conservation charity Freshwater Habitats Trust.
Identified using extensive data and in consultation with leading freshwater scientists and ecologists, the 24 Important Freshwater Landscapes support high numbers of freshwater species, including concentrations of rare and sensitive plants and animals, and high-quality freshwater habitats. Collectively these wildlife hotspots cover more than a third (36%) of England and Wales.
Lead author Jeremy Biggs, CEO of Freshwater Habitats Trust and visiting Professor at Oxford Brookes University said: “One in four UK freshwater plant and animal species is now classed as rare or threatened and almost all rivers, lakes and small freshwaters are impacted by pollution. With better-targeted conservation efforts and a shift in policy we could halt and reverse the decline in freshwater species. Knowing which parts of the country are the most important for freshwater life means we can better target measures to safeguard those areas. This knowledge will change the way we protect our highest-quality freshwaters and tackle the crisis facing freshwater wildlife.”