White-Clawed Crayfish Surveys
White-Clawed Crayfish Surveys
Our White‑clawed Crayfish Surveys are delivered by experienced ecologists with the appropriate licences and expertise to assess presence, absence and population status ahead of development, watercourse engineering or land‑use change. We use standard, evidence‑based survey methods to give robust results that support planning submissions and ecological reporting.
We tailor survey methods to your site and waterbody, drawing on techniques including:
- Refuge and manual searching, inspecting suitable habitat under stones, roots and woody debris.
- Night‑time surveys using torchlight, which can cover deeper or inaccessible areas with minimal disturbance.
- Baited trapping, where appropriate, to detect crayfish activity in deeper or turbid waters.
Environmental DNA Analysis
In addition to traditional field methods, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is now widely used to detect White‑clawed Crayfish in waterbodies. eDNA testing involves collecting water samples that are analysed in a specialist laboratory to search for trace amounts of DNA shed into the environment by crayfish and other aquatic species.
Fish Surveys and Fish Rescue
Safely capture and relocate fish before work to protect aquatic life and habitats.
Protected Species Surveys
Serve to detect legally protected wildlife before works to inform planning.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Quantify habitat losses and gains to secure an uplift in biodiversity.
Invasive Species Surveys
Map and ID non‑native plants to guide land management & protect biodiversity.
River Condition Assessments
Assess river habitat to understand condition and guide restoration.
