Lune Rivers Trust undertook surveys in the tributaries of the upper Lune for salmon, trout, sea trout and other river species, including native crayfish to understand the prevalence of key species in the area.

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The objective of the project is to collect better data on the presence, prevalence and distribution of key riverine indicator species such as White Clawed Crayfish, Atlantic Salmon and European Eel in the upper Lune catchment. The project will also collect better data on the diversity and prevalence of other fish species in the area. 

Project lead: Lune Rivers Trust

The Upper Lune area, much of which lies within the Westmorland Dales, incorporates the source of the River Lune and several important tributaries. These headwaters and tributaries represent some of the most valuable habitat in the Lune catchment for crayfish and juvenile fish. 

The White Clawed Crayfish is the only crayfish species native to the UK. and is a protected species in the UK. In relative terms, the north west of England is a strong hold for White Clawed Crayfish. White Clawed Crayfish have previously been found in the Westmorland Dales area, but the most recent official records date from 2008. The River Lune was once considered to be a pre-eminent English salmon river. However, in common with many other UK rivers, there has been a significant decline in Atlantic Salmon populations in the River Lune system. Atlantic Salmon are known to spawn in the Westmorland Dales, but their prevalence and distribution is not known with any certainty. Once a common species, the population of European Eel in the UK has declined dramatically since the 1970’s with some estimates putting the decline in numbers at over 90%. The current prevalence and distribution of European Eel in the River Lune system is not known with any real level of confidence. 

This data will be key in informing Lune Rivers Trust’s strategic plans for the area, and the wider catchment. It is also expected that the data gathered through this project will be used to support a variety of future funding proposals for further riverine habitat improvements in the Westmorland Dales area.