White Clawed Crayfish Surveys

The white-clawed crayfish is Britain’s only native crayfish species, but its populations have declined dramatically in recent decades due to factors like habitat loss and the spread of non-native invasive species. Our licensed ecologists provide comprehensive surveys, assessments, and mitigation strategies to help you navigate the planning process and keep your project on track.

The white-clawed crayfish is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Annexes II and V of the EU Habitats Directive. This means it is an offence to take them from the wild or disturb their habitats without the appropriate licences and mitigation measures in place.

Lucion’s team of licensed ecologists are experienced in conducting white-clawed crayfish surveys in accordance with Natural England’s Class Licence CL11. This licence permits the surveying of white-clawed crayfish using hand, net, or trap methods, providing the necessary authorisation under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act.

The white-clawed crayfish survey process typically involves:

Site Appraisals

Our ecologists will conduct an initial assessment to determine the potential for white-clawed crayfish to be present based on habitat suitability and historical records.

Presence/Absence Surveys

If the site appraisal identifies potential crayfish presence, we’ll undertake detailed surveys using techniques like manual searching, hand-netting, night viewing, and baited trapping. These are carried out during the optimal survey season of July to September.

Population Assessment

Where white-clawed crayfish are confirmed present, we can conduct further surveys to estimate the population size and inform any required mitigation.

Lucion’s licensed ecologists maintain the necessary registration and expertise to use the CL11 class licence, ensuring full compliance with the relevant legislation. We’ll work closely with you and the local planning authority to design and implement tailored mitigation strategies, which may include:

Carefully relocating any white-clawed crayfish found within the development footprint to a suitable receptor site

Creating or enhancing crayfish habitat to compensate for any losses

Implementing strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of non-native crayfish species

By partnering with Lucion, you can be confident that your white-clawed crayfish surveys and mitigation plans will satisfy all legal requirements, keeping your project on track while protecting this vulnerable species.

Dan O'Kelly,Unit Director – Environmental Planning

Contact Dan O'Kelly

General enquiries:

Phone: +44 (0)345 5040 303
info@luciongroup.com

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White Clawed Crayfish FAQs

Lucion’s licensed ecologists have extensive experience in designing tailored solutions to help our clients navigate challenges posed by protected species like the white-clawed crayfish. We’ll work closely with you and the local planning authority to ensure full compliance with legislation, minimise delays, and protect this vulnerable species.

If white-clawed crayfish are confirmed present, you will likely need to implement a mitigation strategy to avoid, minimise, or compensate for any impacts on the population. This may involve carefully relocating crayfish, creating alternative habitats, and obtaining the necessary licences from Natural England.

Yes, Lucion’s ecologists are registered under Natural England’s Class Licence CL11, which provides the necessary authorisation to survey white-clawed crayfish using approved methods. This ensures full compliance with the relevant wildlife legislation.

The standard survey process includes a site appraisal to determine habitat suitability, followed by presence/absence surveys using techniques like manual searching, hand-netting, night viewing, and baited trapping. Where crayfish are confirmed present, further surveys may be required to assess the population size.

White-clawed crayfish surveys can only be conducted between July and September, when the animals are most active. Surveys outside this optimal period are not recommended, as they may cause unnecessary disturbance or harm to the crayfish.

The white-clawed crayfish is a protected species under UK and European law. If your development has the potential to impact this species or its habitat, you are legally required to undertake surveys and obtain the necessary licences before proceeding.