
About this episode
The episode discusses the plight of the white-clawed crayfish in Britain and efforts to restore their habitats against invasive species.
White-clawed crayfish were once common in Britain’s waterways. But thanks to a restaurant craze in the 1970’s, that brought the American signal crayfish to our shores, our only native freshwater crayfish is under threat from this invasive species. White-clawed crayfish are eco system engineers keeping rivers and streams clean and they also have amazing limb re growing superpowers. But they’re being outcompeted for food and habitat by the American signal crayfish and succumbing to a killer plague being spread by them. But, with a little help from Ranger Nick Allen and the team at Wallington estate in Northumberland, habitats are being created where white-clawed crayfish can thrive. Join Rosie and follow the story and the lives of the plucky little characters fighting for survival in England’s Northeast. Production: Host: Rosie Holdsworth Producers: Michelle Douglass and Katy Kelly Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Nick Allen Discover more: Find out more about Wallington and their work with the white-clawed crayfish: Saving the native white-clawed crayfish | National Trust Follow us @ wildtales Instagram account If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or a story idea, you…
People in this episode
Host: Rosie Holdsworth
Topics covered
- invasive species
- freshwater ecology
- conservation
- habitat restoration
- wildlife protection
Keywords
- crayfish
- invasive species
- conservation
- Northumberland
- ecosystem engineers
- habitat restoration
- white-clawed crayfish
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: National Trust
Products: American signal crayfish, white-clawed crayfish
Places: Northumberland, Britain
More episodes of Wild Tales | Nature Podcast
- Wembley Stadium | Football's Perfect Pitch · June 11, 2026 · 20 min
- European Brown Bears | Where are you? · May 27, 2026 · 26 min
- Operation Nutcracker | The Return of the Red Squirrel · May 13, 2026 · 15 min
- The Dinosaur in the Cliff · April 15, 2026 · 25 min
- Toad Patrol | The Perilous Path · April 1, 2026 · 16 min
- Finding the Tundra Swan · March 18, 2026 · 23 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Wild Tales | Nature Podcast podcast page.