The white clawed crayfish is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
It is an offence to intentionally take white-clawed crayfish from the wild. It is also an offence to sell these crayfish.

Crayfish Survey

White clawed crayfish are found in a range of aquatic habitats, such as lakes, rivers, streams or quarry pools. Crayfish prefer unpolluted, calcareous waters with little sediment and plenty of shelter in the form of rocks, aquatic plants and tree roots.

Surveys
Habitat assessment can be undertaken at any time of year. Full surveys can only take place from mid-July to the end of September.This is to ensure that females are not disturbed while carrying their eggs. The main survey technique used is active searching in suitable habitat, though this method is only suitable during times of base flow. Night searching by torch is an effective method in addition to trapping. Trapping is a more suitable option in deep pools or where active searches cannot be effectively conducted.

Related Species

• White Clawed Crayfish